The grade assigned by the course Instructor at the end of a term is the student's grade for that course.  Only in exceptional cases will this final grade be changed.  Such requests are normally initiated by the instructor to correct an error in the calculation of the grade. This Student Initiated Grade Appeal process may also be used to request that a final grade of A - D- be modified to show a non-GPA relevant "S" (Satisfactory) or "P" (pass) grade on the transcript, if that serves student's academic interests and does not impose additional, unintended burdens.

If a student disputes their final course grade, the following process, which occurs within the School that offered the course, applies.  The only valid reasons for requesting consideration of a grade change or displayed grade change are:

1. Miscalculation of grade (human error)
2. Procedural error (e.g., failure to follow announced grading procedures)
3. Non-academic reasons (e.g., discrimination that is banned by University policy)
4. In case of request to change grading basis to display "S" or "P", prolonged state, national, or regional disruptions occuring during the graded semester that had demonstrated negative effects on student performance.

Grade Change Request Process

1. The student must discuss the matter with the Instructor within 14 calendar days of the start of the next academic term (including summer sessions).  In the event that the faculty member does not respond with 14 calendar days, the student should proceed to step 2.  After discussing the matter with the student, the Instructor must inform the student of his or her decision in 14 calendar days. If approved, a change of recorded grade is launched in E-grade change. A change of grading basis to display an "S" or "P" goes to the Office of the Registrar for processing.                                                                                                         
2. If the issue is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, the student submits a Grade Change Request form (appeal) to the Office of the Dean of the School that oversees the course within 7 calendar days of being informed of the Instructor's decision.  This form may be obtained at Student Central. . If approved, a change of recorded grade is launched in E-grade change. A change of grading basis to display an "S" or "P" goes to the Office of the Registrar for processing.                                                                                                   
3. If the school-based review process cannot resolve the matter, the student and the Dean will be informed, and the Dean will initiate a review of the student's request.  As part of this review, the Dean will discuss the appeal request with the student, the Instructor and/or the Program Coordinator.  In an appeal to the Dean, the burden of proof rests with the student.                                                                                                 
4. The dean must notify the student in writing of the outcome/decision within 14 calendar days of the start of dean's review period. The deans' decision is final. Final decisions that require adjustment to the student record to effect are forwarded to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

Time Limitations

• Exceptions to the specified time limitations will be considered in exigent, serious. documented circumstance (e.g., prolonged hospitalization, military deployment, prolonged regional disruptions to transportation or resources) that prevented the student from filing the petition or the faculty member from responding within the stated time period.
• The total review process from faculty-student discussion to final outcome should take no longer than 45 calendar days.