Western Oklahoma State College

POLICY

1.0  Purpose

If a student has reason to believe that he or she has received a final grade that is incorrect or unjust, the student may appeal the grade. A formal, written grade appeal must be filed no later than the end of the next regular 16-week semester after the disputed grade was issued.

2.0  Grounds for Appeal

1. Grounds for a student appeal a final grade are:
   • The grade is allegedly based on an error in calculation.
   • The grade allegedly did not follow the grading criteria/course policy as stated in the course syllabus.
2. It is the responsibility of the student to provide evidence of the grounds for which the grade is incorrect or unjustified.
3. Students may not appeal based on disagreements with teaching methodologies, attendance policies, or other reasons of pedagogical disagreement with the instructor.
4. If a student has a concern about his/her grade during the semester, it is his/her responsibility to communicate those with the professor.
5. Academic Integrity issues shall not be addressed through the Grade Appeal process.

PROCEDURES

Grade Appeal Process  

1. Written appeal to the Instructor

   1. The student should complete the Grade Appeal Form and submit it to the instructor of the course, along with any documentation supporting the appeal. The student may submit the form in person, by letter, or via email. If the professor is not available, the form may be submitted to the Division Director who supervises the instructor.
   2. The instructor will respond to the student within 10 business days following the receipt of the form.
   3. If the instructor agrees that the grade should be changed, he/she will complete a Grade Change with the Office of the Registrar.
   4. If the instructor does not agree with the student, the grade will stand.
   5. The student may either accept the instructor’s decision or advance the appeal to the Academic Dean.

2. Written appeal to the Academic Dean

   1. The student submits the Grade Appeal Form and any supporting documentation to the Academic Dean.
   2. The Academic Dean will respond to the student within 10 business days following the receipt of the form.
   3. If the Academic Dean agrees that the grade should be changed, he/she will initiate a Grade Change with the Office of the Registrar.
   4. If the Academic Dean does not agree with the student, the grade will stand.
   5. The student may either accept the Academic Dean’s decision or advance the appeal to the Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee via the Vice President for Student Affairs.

3. Written appeal to the Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee (via the Vice President for Student Affairs)

   1. The student submits the Grade Appeal Form and any supporting documentation to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
   2. The Vice President for Student Affairs will respond to the student within 10 business days following the receipt of the form to set up a hearing with the Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee.
   3. The Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee will hear separately from the student and the instructor, as well as review prior levels of appeal documentation, regarding the grade in question. The committee may also call other witnesses, as appropriate.
   4. If the Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee agrees that the grade should be changed, they will inform the Academic Dean, who will initiate a Grade Change with the Office of the Registrar.
   5. If the Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee does not agree with the student, the grade will stand.
   6. The decision of the Ad Hoc Grade Appeals Committee is final. No further appeals for this grade may take place.