Grading Dispute Policy

An undergraduate or graduate student may appeal a course activity (such as an assignment, discussion, quiz, or other graded course activity) or final grade using the following procedures. Bases for a grade appeal are, but are not limited to, the following: (a) violation of university policy; (b) violation of course policies, and (c) questions regarding the accuracy and/or fairness of an assessment. Differences in course design/execution amongst courses, learner eligibility for benefits or awards, and academic standing are not valid reasons to dispute a grade. The dispute process follows: 1. When a learner has a concern or complaint about a course activity or final grade, the policy requires that the learner first discuss and/or attempt to resolve the concern with the faculty mentor. The learner should discuss the concerns with the mentor, stating the rationale for questioning the grade. If the learner and mentor cannot resolve the dispute, then the learner may consider submitting a Grade Appeal Request. 2. Within ten calendar days, after the grade was awarded, or sooner (if possible), the learner may initiate a Grade Appeal Request. The learner shall contact their LSS advisor to obtain forms and review directions regarding the request. 3. Initiating a Grade Appeal Request requires the following actions: a. the learner must obtain a copy of the Grade Appeal Request form from their LSS advisor; b. collect copies of the relevant syllabus, assignment/discussion/activity instructions, feedback received, the grade issued by the faculty mentor, and other supporting documentation; and c. email the completed Grade Appeal Request form and supporting documentation to the Grade Appeal Committee[1] at gradeappeal@calsouthern.edu. 4. The Grade Appeal Committee will examine and issue their findings within ten calendar days after receiving a complete Grade Appeal Request. The Committee may contact the faculty mentor during the examination phase; however, the faculty mentor must supply a response within 72 hours of receiving an inquiry from the Committee during the exam phase. 5. The examination phase terminates when the Chair of the Grade Appeal Committee issues their findings, in writing, to the applicable Dean(s) and/or designated department representative(s). If the Committee cannot issue a determination, then the applicable Dean and/or designated department representative(s) shall review the request and determine the appropriate action(s). 6. Findings are final and must be relayed to the learner and mentor, applicable Dean(s), and/or the designated department representative(s), within five calendar days after the termination of the examination phase. Dean and department representative are from the college/school where the course being appealed is offered. Dean(s) and/or department representative(s) may extend deadlines and alter the authorized timetable given extraordinary circumstances. Grade appeals may (or may not) follow the proposed timetable during national holidays unless a Dean/Chair determines the case warrants immediate process. Before awarding the degree, a grade dispute must be pursued and settled in the course with the disputed grade. Assuming a learner has met all degree requirements, the degree will be placed on hold during the appeal process. Upon resolution, the learner’s degree will be awarded and backdated to the term/period during which all requirements were met. Learners may request an official letter of degree completion for employment or graduate/professional school admissions. When deemed appropriate, the Dean(s) may convene a review of cases to determine the effectiveness of this policy to elicit recommendations regarding remediation/negotiation regarding its enforcement. The review shall result in a written brief to be considered by the Faculty Senate and administration

[1] The Grade Appeal Committee (GAC) conducts all functions per the Grading Dispute Policy. The GAC membership shall be defined:

• A voting vice-president, academic dean, or designee; • up to five voting faculty—two of which must be full-time (or equivalent), and one nonacademic reviewer (such as registrar or other qualified individual)—such that a school has no more than two representatives in the GAC; • one nonvoting LSS representative charged with ensuring sound communications between the GAC and learner during the execution and resolution of the appeal process; and • the GAC may consult with the Instructional Committee to propose potential curriculum changes, as necessary.