Grade Appeals

A course grade appeal arises when circumstances prevent assignment of an earned grade or cause an assigned grade to be questioned by a student. Below you will find resources and instructions on how to proceed in appealing a course grade.

Reasons to Appeal

The basis for questioning a grade and filing a grade appeal is limited by the criteria defined in the Course Grade Appeal Policy.

For more information about the criteria for a grade appeal, consult the policy; in particular sections:

IV. Jurisdiction; VI.C.1. Basic Guidelines for Grade Appeals; and

Students may only appeal grade assignments on the following bases:

The Instructor refuses to (or cannot) assign a grade
The Instructor is not available to review possible computational error.
The student believes the grade assigned is prejudiced or capricious

Please note that the grade appeal case must be based on specific graded items. You must provide documentation (e.g., graded tests, assignments, etc.) as evidence to support your claim. “I think I deserve a better grade” does not provide a basis for filing a grade appeal.

Please note: Grade appeals sometimes get rejected because the student does not have grounds for a grade appeal, but rather for another form or grievance (such as discrimination, harassment, etc.): before starting a grade appeal, make sure you talk with the Office of Undergraduate Studies, so they can help you find out where to appeal. Grievances for discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, religion, or sexual orientation go through the Office of Human Resources or the Office of the Dean of Students, not through the grade appeal process.

Please review the offical policy before proceeding: Student Grade Appeal Policy