Tips for Grade Appeal

Faculty Handbook | Grade Appeal Process

NOTE: You must appeal within 21 business days into the next fall or spring semester

First, you may try to resolve the disagreement with your instructor informally.

If you’re unable to do so, initiate the formal grade appeal process as follows:

To begin the appeal process first email the instructor who issued the grade. The email should include at least the following:

• State clearly that you are appealing the grade
• Specify which course you’re appealing and include your name and PID number
• State why you are requesting a grade change
• Provide evidence supporting the reason for the request

It can help to: 

• Be polite.
• Be concise
• Cite the portion of the syllabus explaining applicable part of the grading policy
• Explain how you and the instructor differ about the grade
• Request that the instructor consider changing the grade
• Ask for a written response

If you are not satisfied with the response:

• Write to the department (or school) chair or director
• Explain your request and the instructor’s response
• Ask for their assistance in getting the grade changed

If you are still not satisfied with the outcome: 

• Ask the chair/director to forward your appeal to the Dean
• The Dean will determine whether there are sufficient grounds for the appeal
• If they decide there are, a committee will be appointed to review your appeal. (The decision of the committee cannot be appealed)

Additional Tips:

• Be polite at all times.
• Support your appeal with direct facts about courses, policies, dates, etc.
• Remember you are trying to persuade the person to your point of view: be truthful, objective, respectful.
• Be concise.
• Let them know when you will be following up, and remember to thank people for considering your appeal.