Formal Dispute Conditions and Possible Consequences:
1. Informal efforts to resolve the dispute must be completed before the formal policy may be invoked.
2. The magnitude of disagreement must be more than or equal to one full letter grade (for example, the formal procedure will not be triggered by disagreements over A- versus B).
3. The studentâs work may be referred to a qualified reviewer, most likely a departmental colleague of the instructor.
4. The reviewer may recommend that the instructor raise the grade, lower it, or leave it unchanged.
Formal Grade Dispute Procedure:
1. If the complaint is not against a chair, it should be sent to the chair of the department to which the instructor belongs. If it is against a chair, it should be sent to the dean. The formal complaint must be made within 21 days after receipt of the grade that is disputed.
2. The chair or dean can review the case or can assign another faculty member to review it. The chair or dean will notify the student and the instructor in writing who the reviewer is. The student or instructor may submit to the chair or dean written objection to an assigned reviewer within four days after receiving the notification.
3. The reviewer can have access to all relevant records of the student who filed the complaint, from either the instructor or the student. The reviewer may gather any other information and may interview any person whom he/she deems appropriate.
4. The reviewer will submit a written recommendation for the resolution of the dispute to the student, the instructor, the chair, and the dean.
5. This recommendation will be advisory only. The instructor will have no obligation to follow the recommendation, but should inform the student, the chair, the dean, and the reviewer of his or her decision in writing. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome he or she may pursue the matter under the universityâs grievance procedure.