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Instructors have broad leeway to assign grades according to their professional judgment. Instructors should evaluate work according to sound academic standards and in alignment with clearly specified policies and procedures on course syllabi, assignments, and communications.
Students may contest a grade if they feel it meets one or more of the following conditions:
- An error in the calculation of the grade
- The assigned grade is inconsistent with criteria and policies articulated in the course syllabus, and/or inconsistent with any stipulated conditions for course requirements and assignments
- The grading standards were inconsistently or inequitably applied
- The grade was given for factors other than academic performance, including personal bias or any criteria that would fall under the College’s non-discrimination policy
Students pursuing an appeal must follow the conflict resolution procedure outlined below, and the student assumes the burden of proof in the appeals process.
A student who believes that course work has been unfairly evaluated, or who has another conflict regarding academic matters other than Academic Probation/Dismissal or Academic Integrity Policy should use the following procedure:
- As soon as possible, no later than the end of the sixth week of the following semester, the student must approach the faculty member to discuss the issue. In the event of a grade dispute, the student should seek an explanation of the method of evaluation and seek a determination that no error has been made.
- If the student is not satisfied with the results of this conference, a meeting has already taken place, or a meeting with the faculty member was not possible, the case must be presented in writing with supporting documentation to the department chair or program coordinator.
- If, after consultation with the faculty member and after a review of the written evidence, the department chair finds legitimate cause for complaint, they will work toward an equitable solution with the student and faculty member. If this fails, the student may formally appeal the dispute by contacting the Dean of Undergraduate Education.
Procedures for a Formal Grade Appeal
Formal appeals are heard by a panel consisting of Dean of Undergraduate Education and two members of the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC), selected by that committee’s chair. If the decision involves a grade change, the department chair will be consulted by the Dean to help determine the final grade.
Prior to the hearing, students must submit in writing the reasons for the appeal, along with any supporting documentation. The materials should address how the grade violated the conditions for a grade appeal outlined above. Students must be given adequate notice to prepare these materials, along with the opportunity to address the committee and answer any questions directly. Faculty who assigned the original grade may attend the hearing in person or submit their position in writing. Students can be advised by a Success Advisor, who may accompany them to the hearing at the student’s request. Family, friends, and/or representatives from outside Saint Michael’s College are not permitted in the hearing.
After reviewing all relevant documents and information related to the grade and appeal, the committee has within its purview the following outcomes:
- Uphold the original grade
- Assign a new grade
- Allow the student to withdraw from the course with a grade of W/D
- Allow the student to receive a pass for the course, provided the course does not count toward a major, minor, or the core curriculum
The committee will communicate the decision as soon as possible, though it may not be immediate if they need to collect additional information. The decision of the committee is final, and there will be no further opportunities to appeal the grade.
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