Grade Appeal Policy
Revised June 1, 2009
The following sequence of steps should be pursued by any student when appealing a course grade. The steps need to be followed in this sequence. That is, all students must complete step one before proceeding to step two. Similarly, students must complete step two before proceeding to step three and so on.
Step 1. All students should discuss the course grade and reasons for their appeal with their course instructor first. This step may be in person or in writing.
Step 2. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the consultation with the course instructor, the next step is an appeal to the Department Chair. Preferably, this should be done in writing and should include documentation. The Chair should gather information from both the student and the faculty member and reach a decision as to the merits of the appeal.
Step 3. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the consultation with the Department Chair, the next step is a formal appeal to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This appeal must be in writing. It must include a written narrative of the case from the student, it must include documentation, and it must be signed. The Dean will gather information from the instructor and/or department chair and will reach a decision as to the merits of the appeal.
Step 4. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the consultation with the Dean, the next step is an appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee. This appeal must be written, include a narrative of the case from the student, must include documentation and must be signed. This narrative and documentation should be sent to the Office of Academic Affairs, Lindenwood 329. Each case will then be forwarded to the Academic Affairs Committee. The Academic Affairs Committee will forward a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. This is the last and final stage in the appeal process.
