Student Appeal of Grades

Student Appeal of Grades 

Procedure #2666 

1.0 Scope

This procedure applies to all students and faculty.

2.0 Purpose

To describe the process by which students may appeal a grade affecting completion of, or admission to, a course and/or program. The Student Appeal of Grades Procedure is to be used for appeals of grades only.

3.0 Definitions

3.1 Appeal: A request to alter a grade or other academic decision based on sound reasoning and/or clear and compelling evidence.

3.2 Faculty Member: Any person hired by the Northland Pioneer College (NPC) to conduct instruction.

3.3 Day: Days NPC is scheduled to be open per the academic calendar and NPC catalogue.

3.4 Dean: individuals who direct educational programs at NPC. Includes deans and associate deans.

3.5 Department Chair: Faculty members who teach and also perform administrative duties for specific academic departments .

3.6 Student: any person participating in or attempting to participate in educational programs or activities provided by NPC.

3.7 Supervisor: Department chairs are supervisors of full-time and adjunct faculty. Deans are supervisors of department chairs.

3.8 VPLSS: the Vice President of Learning and Student Services, or other NPC administrator designated by the President of NPC for oversight and administration of both the learning and student services divisions/departments.

4.0 Procedure

4.1 Informal Appeal Process -

Students must first make every effort to address grading decisions directly with the faculty member. The goal of the informal appeal process is to address the student’s questions and/or concerns in an effort to come to a mutually agreeable resolutio

      4.1.a  Within ten (10) days of the disputed grade, the student will:

1. In writing, contact the faculty member who made the decision in an attempt to informally resolve the appeal.
2. Within five (5) days of receiving the informal appeal, the faculty member will inform the student in writing of their grade decision.
   1. If the student receives a satisfactory decision at this stage, the faculty member will update the student’s grade.
3. If the faculty member is not available, the student should contact the individual’s direct supervisor. Department chairs are supervisors of full-time and adjunct faculty. Deans are supervisors of department chairs.

       4.1.b Students, faculty members, and deans (when applicable) will each take notes regarding the informal appeal and resolution and keep these notes in their professional records.

4.2 Formal Appeal Process , the student may initiate a formal appeal process only if the informal process was not resolved to the student’s satisfaction.

      4.2.a Within five (5) days of receiving the written decision of the informal appeal, the student submits a written appeal to the faculty member’s direct supervisor.

1. The formal grade appeal must contain the following information:
2. Name of the student(s) filing the formal grade appeal.
3. Name of the instructor.
4. Statement of facts and relevant documentation related to the formal grade appeal.
5. Date(s) of the incident(s).
6. Resolution being requested by the student(s).
7. Optional: the name of an NPC advisor or employee whom the student invites to act on behalf of the student as an advocate.
8. Student's signature.

     4.2.b.Within ten (10) days of receiving the student’s formal appeal, the direct supervisor will then assume a mediating role and facilitate communication between relevant parties (e.g.: the student, instructor, and anyone else believed capable of assisting in reaching a resolution,, which may also include an advisor or other NPC employee who may participate as an advocate for the student.

1. The supervisor will provide a written solution to the student, faculty member, and VPLSS within five (5) days following the mediation conference.

4.3 Final Appeal Process: If the student or instructor is not satisfied with the supervisor's decision, they may initiate a final appeal process.

      4.3.a. Within five (5) days of the formal appeal resolution being offered, a student or faculty member appealing the formal appeal decision must submit a copy of the supervisor’s decision and any additional evidence to support the appeal to VPLSS.

     4.3.b. The VPLSS will then conduct an inquiry involving all parties within ten (10) working days. The VPLSS may then elect to hear the appeal, appoint a hearing panel, or make a decision based on evidence gathered from the inquiry. The VPLSS decision is final and binding.

Both parties will be notified in writing within twenty-five (25) working days of receiving the appeal.

5.0

Situations in which a faculty member cannot be consulted regarding a grade appeal will be assessed individually beginning with the supervisor.