Student Handbook

Student Codes and College Policies

or use of external mail readers. If e-mail is lost as a result of forwarding, students are not absolved from the

responsibilities associated with communications sent to their official College e-mail address.

Grade Grievance Procedure

A Grade Grievance Procedure is available to resolve student grade grievances. This procedure shall apply

when the student believes that there has been an unfair or inequitable application of any of the academic

regulations in a course outline or in the College catalog that adversely affects the student’s grade. A copy of

the procedure will be available at the campus Office of Academic Affairs. Students should understand that

final grade determination is under the sole authority of the faculty member.

This procedure must be initiated within one year of the semester in which the student took the course.

Procedure

First

The student should first discuss the grievance with the faculty member involved.

Second

If the student and faculty member cannot reach an agreement regarding the grievance, the student may

meet with the Academic Chair of the particular department. The Academic Chair will examine the basis

for the grievance, discuss it with the faculty member and the student, and make a recommendation

within ten calendar days of meeting with the student and faculty member.

Third

If no agreement is reached at the second stage, the student may present his or her case to the

appropriate Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Within ten calendar days of meeting with the student,

the Associate Dean will schedule a meeting with the Academic Chair and the faculty member to discuss

the grievance. The recommendation of the Associate Dean will be given to the student and faculty

member within ten calendar days of the meeting between the faculty member, the Academic Chair and

the Associate Dean.

Fourth

If the student wishes to pursue the matter further, he or she may present his or her case to the Executive

Dean. This shall be done in writing within ten calendar days of receiving the recommendation of the

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Failure by the student to submit a written request within ten

calendars days shall constitute a withdrawal of the grievance and bar further action within the College.

The letter should clearly state the nature of the grievance; the dates of the meetings with the faculty

member, the Academic Chair and the Associate Dean; the recommendations of the Academic Chair

and the Associate Dean; and reasons why the student is dissatisfied. Within ten days of the receipt of

the student’s written request, the Executive Dean will convene a committee to hear the grievance. The

Grade Grievance Committee will be composed of three faculty members (two chosen by the Executive

Dean and one chosen by the Associate Dean of Student Services), of whom at least one

must be outside the faculty member’s discipline, and one student who shall be selected by the

Associate Dean of Student Services. The Grade Grievance Committee will choose a Chair, and the Chair

will notify the student and the faculty member of any additional documents required. After receiving any

additional documents, the Chair of the Grade Grievance Committee will notify the faculty member and

the student of the hearing date. After the hearing, the Grade Grievance Committee will send its written

recommendations to the student, the faculty member, the Academic Chair, the Associate Dean of

Academic Affairs and the Executive Dean.