Grade Appeal Process

Grades represent the professional assessment about student observed performance and submitted work in relation to the goals and requirements of a particular course. Although it is the sole responsibility of the instructor to assign grades, students may challenge recorded grade(s) stemming from calculation errors or misapplication of course assessment criteria for grading, nor to improper grading, such as the application of non-academic criteria, including race, politics, religion, or gender. Retaliatory acts, or suggestion of such, against any individual who exercises their rights are considered to be discrimination. Any complaints of suspected discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation should follow Dominican’s Title IX Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Policy.

Grade appeals involving alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, however, should be initially assessed under the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy by the Title IX/DHR Coordinator.

All grades except 'I' (incomplete) and 'PR' (in progress) are considered final. Incomplete or In Progress grades that have reverted to 'F' are final. An instructor may change a grade when he/she has made a computational, procedural, or judgmental error.

Informal Inquiry : The student should begin by requesting that the instructor review with them the factors that were weighed in assigning the grade. This may be done in writing or in person.
1. Students may submit this initial inquiry no later than February 15 in the case of Fall semester grades and October 15 regarding Spring semester and Summer session grades.
2. Students should get an opportunity to receive and review any graded work that was not returned to them.
3. The instructor has 10 university business days to respond to the student’s inquiry. Response and/or feedback should be provided in writing. If the instructor doesn’t respond to the inquiry, the student may proceed to submitting a formal appeal (see Step 2).
4. If the instructor determines that there has been an error in grading, they/he/she obtains the official form for requesting the change from the Registrar's Office. The instructor must submit the grade change form directly to the Registrar. Students may not submit the grade change form.
Submitting a Formal Appeal: If the issue remains unresolved, the student submits a formal written appeal to the instructor with a copy to the department chair. The appeal includes a completed Grade Appeal Request Form and documentation supporting the student’s position. This statement must be made no later than March 1 for a Fall semester grade and by November 1 for a Spring semester or Summer session grade. The instructor has 10 university business days to respond to the student and their response should include a copy to the Chair.
Appeal to the Department Chair: If the student can provide evidence that the appeal is not resolved, they must submit their case in writing to the department chair within 10 working days of the receipt of the instructor's response.
1. If, in the judgment of the chair, the grade is inaccurate, the chair will make a recommendation on how the student’s performance can be re-evaluated.
2. The chair’s response should be completed within 10 university business days of receipt of the instructor’s response, with copies to the instructor, student, and academic dean, regarding their assessment. The chair will consider any additional material presented by either the faculty member or the student in this response.
Appeal to the Academic Dean: If the student disagrees with the department chair’s decision, they may appeal to the academic dean within 10 university business days of the chair's decision.
1. The written appeal should contain reasons why the chair's decision should be reconsidered.
2. The dean will provide a response within 10 university business days of receiving the student’s appeal. The decision of the dean is final.