2014-15-Undergraduate-Catalog

Academic Policies • 81only in unusual circumstances. Evaluation of academic progress is rightly a matter of primaryresponsibility of the faculty member(s) involved and, at times and in certain programs, theircolleagues. Any request to change a grade or other evaluation academic process must besupported by evidence the decision failed to follow proper procedure or was illegal,unethical or discriminatory.Timely ResponseIt is in the interest of all concerned that conflicts involving academic issues be resolvedquickly and as close to the source of conflict as possible. It is expected that each personinvolved in the process will expedite the process, normally within 10 class days. This isintended to provide sufficient time for thoughtful consideration of all pertinent information.However, this timeframe can be extended by mutual agreement between the student andthe member of the faculty, staff or administration involved. (At each step cited below, if theperson to whom the complaint is made is not available, he/she may designate anotherappropriate person to act in his/her stead.) If the matter comes up at the end of thesemester, and it is not reasonable to contact the party(ies) involved at that time, the appealmust be presented no later than the end of the Drop/Add period of the followingsemester.Grievance of a GradeStudents may grieve the misapplication of an instructor’s grading policy for a course.Students cannot grieve the evaluation of student work by the instructor.Formal Academic Appeals ProcedureAt each step in this process, the student may request to meet directly with the personhearing the appeal. The person hearing the appeal may meet with the student or seek thecounsel of faculty members or others who may have pertinent information.Step OneThe student should make an appointment with the faculty of record to discuss thegrievance and to seek resolution.Step TwoIf dissatisfied, the student should schedule an appointment with the appropriate departmentor division chair to seek a resolution.Step ThreeIf dissatisfied, the student should schedule an appointment with the appropriate dean ordirector of the school to seek a resolution.Step FourIf dissatisfied, the student should make a written grievance to the vice president foracademic affairs. The written grievance must state the reason for the request and any othersupporting documentation. If the vice president for academic affairs sees merit in thegrievance, he will assemble the Academic Review Board for a hearing. If there is no merit,the student will be notified that this ruling is final.