Last updated: October 31st, 2022 at 10:30 am

Students may appeal a grade or evaluation if there is a concern about a perceived grading error, or perceived procedural irregularities in the process that affected the grade. Students are encouraged to raise any concerns or complaints about a grade as soon as possible to the appropriate authority as indicated in this policy.

The purpose of the grade appeal process is to protect the rights of both the student who earns a grade and the Faculty who assign the grade. Faculty have the right to use their professional judgment, both subjectively and objectively, in determining a student’s grade based on academic performance. They also have the responsibility to award grades in a uniform manner based on established expectations and criteria for academic (including clinical) performance. Students have the right to appeal a grade that they feel has been awarded in an arbitrary and capricious manner. They also have the responsibility to accept the faculty member’s professional judgment about their performance.

INFORMAL RESOLUTION
a. Before filing a formal appeal, students are encouraged to try all other routes to resolve differences. For example, speaking to individual faculty members, or the unit or course directors. Students should seek the counsel and help of the Office of Student Affairs and consider such an appeal only after all alternative routes have been explored.

b. Before the formal appeal process is initiated, any student who believes a final grade is inappropriate should confer with the course, clerkship, or elective director to request a reconsideration. This is considered an informal review of the grade. This discussion should be initiated within two (2) weeks of the posting of the grade. The student is entitled to an explanation of exactly how the final grade was determined and to view the results of component quizzes, examinations, and evaluations that contributed to the final grade, if available.

APPEAL OF A SINGLE EXAMINATION OR EVALUATION
a. Students may appeal a single examination grade in the MAPP or pre-clerkship program within three (3) business days of the grade being posted if it is believed a grading error has occurred or there is another concern. Students should submit their concern in writing to the Course, Unit, or Program Director to arrange a meeting to discuss the concern/s.

b. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of meetings with the Course, Unit, or Program Director,
the student may submit their concern in writing to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The Office of Student Affairs (OSA), or their designee, will consult with the appropriate faculty or leadership for review. The student will be notified of the decision within three (3) business days after deliberations and decision.

c. The decision of the OSA is final for single examination or evaluation appeals.

APPEAL OF A FINAL COURSE GRADE OR EVALUATION
a. Students may appeal a final grade or final evaluation within ten (10) business days of the final grade being posted if it is believed a grading error has occurred or there is another concern. Students should submit their concern in writing to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

b. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) will review the written appeal and will consult with the appropriate faculty or leadership for review.

c. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the OSA, they may appeal in writing to the Executive Dean within ten (10) business days.

d. The Executive Dean will review the appeal and respond to the student within ten (10) business days of receiving the appeal.

e. The decision of the Executive Dean is final for final course grade or evaluation appeals.

If an appeal is not filed by the student in a timely manner, any ramifications related to transcript generation, determination of academic standing, and promotional considerations will be the responsibility of the student and may be irreversibly or negatively impacted.

The burden of proof rests with the student to demonstrate that the final grade was awarded inappropriately.

Falsification or fabrication of information to support an appeal is subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct.