Policy Statement on Grade Appeals

Content

Department of Political Science Bylaws
Updated February 2025

A committee consisting of members of the graduate committee and the graduate student faculty representative chosen by PSGSA shall review and decide all cases involving graduate student grade appeals. A committee consisting of members of the undergraduate committee and an undergraduate student representative appointed by the department chair shall review and decide all cases involving undergraduate student grade appeals. All members of appeals committees shall have a vote except, in the case of graduate student appeals, the chair of the graduate committee and, in the case of undergraduate student appeals, the chair of the undergraduate committee.

When an appeal is lodged, the appropriate committee shall consult with the student and faculty member, examine the evidence, and render a judgment. The committee cannot resolve disputes concerning a student's knowledge of a particular subject, but has the responsibility to protect students against prejudiced or capricious evaluations on the part of an instructor and ensure due process in grading procedures.

Grade Appeal Procedures

  1. An appeal shall be submitted in writing to the committee within the first six weeks of the semester following the semester when the grade was issued.
  2. The appeal shall be circulated to committee members and the instructor in question.
  3. A letter shall be sent to the student acknowledging receipt of the appeal. In the letter, the student shall also be advised that he or she may appear before the committee to clarify, amplify or otherwise discuss the appeal. The student shall also be advised that discussing the issue with the instructor in question, either before the committee or at any other time, is recommended but not required.
  4. The instructor shall be advised that he or she may meet with the committee and/or submit any information or evidence to clarify, amplify or otherwise discuss the appeal.
  5. The student or instructor may secure the assistance of others in the preparation and presentation of their appeal or response to the committee
  6. The committee shall arrange (a) a meeting with the student, if desired; (b) a meeting with the instructor, if desired; and (c) a meeting in executive session to consider and decide the appeal. Additional meetings may be held as needed.
  7. The committee's decision shall be in writing and forwarded to both the instructor and student along with the reasons for the decision and procedures for appealing it by either the instructor or student to the grading appeals committee of the college.
  8. Should the instructor in question be a member of the committee, he or she shall withdraw from participating in the decision, and the chair of the committee shall appoint a replacement. A student appealing a grade may not serve as a member of a grade appeals committee.

Visit the College of Arts and Sciences procedure for appealing a grade for more information.