Grade Challenge Policy

Classroom instructors at Navarro College have the responsibility and authority to award final grades in the class they are teaching; however, grades must be based on college policy, procedures, and written instructions in the form of a course syllabus. In cases where a student has a valid reason for challenging the grade awarded in a course, the student must first consult with the instructor and informally present his or her case. If the student and the instructor are not able to reach a mutual agreement, the student may request in writing, through the appropriate dean, a Grade Challenge Hearing. The appropriate dean must receive this written request within ten (10) days from the last day final grades may be posted. If, in the judgment of the dean, there are valid reasons for a grade challenge, the dean will appoint a Grade Review Committee, which will consist of one student, one instructor, and one administrator, with the chairman of the committee also being appointed by the dean. (Refer to Procedure Manual FC.1 and the Student Handbook)

The Grade Review Committee will call a meeting, at which time the case will be reviewed by first hearing the instructor’s justification for the grade awarded and hearing the student’s challenge of the grade. The instructor may present a rebuttal testimony based on valid evidence after the student has stated his or her own position. The committee will then question both parties. The student and instructor may address questions to each other only through the chairman of the committee. Both parties have the right to counsel, but the hearing will be conducted in private with no spectators allowed in the meeting; both parties will be allowed to make a summary statement. After hearing both sides of the case, the committee will discuss the case in a closed session. Any decision must be based upon clear and convincing evidence. A written report of the committee’s decision will be prepared and mailed or delivered within 48 hours to the student and the instructor. (Refer to Procedure Manual FC.2 and the Student Handbook)

If either party wishes to appeal the decision of the Grade Review Committee, he or she may do this in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs must receive this written request within ten (10) days from the date of the Grade Review Committee decision or the appeal denial by the Dean. The Vice President for Academic Affairs has the option to call a meeting with the student. Both parties have the right to counsel, but the hearing will be conducted in private with no spectators allowed in the meeting; both parties will be allowed to make a summary statement. If there are valid reasons to continue the investigation, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will then appoint the Administrative Staff Committee, consisting of three administrators (excluding the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the President of Ellis County Campuses, and the District President), who will receive all evidence of the Grade Review Committee meeting and any additional evidence provided by the student and the instructor. Both parties have the right to counsel, but the hearing will be conducted in private with no spectators allowed in the meeting; both parties will be allowed to make a summary statement. Either or both parties may, in addition to the written statement, present any additional evidence orally.

The committee will research the decision and prepare a written report that will be sent to each of the people concerned. The decision of the Administrative Staff Committee will be final and binding, and a written report of the committee’s decision will be prepared and mailed or delivered within 48 hours of the decision to the student and the instructor. (Refer to Procedure Manual FC.3 and the Student Handbook)

As referenced in the Student Grievances Procedures, the role of the District President in these procedures is not to decide the case or appeal thereof, but merely to determine whether the administrative chain of command has adhered to Navarro College procedures.