Related Policies and Guidelines

SACSCOC Complaints Against SACSCOC or its Accredited Institutions 

TBR Policy 1.02.11.00 Appeals to the Chancellor and the Board

TBR Policy 2.03.01.01 Undergraduate Academic Retention & GPA Standards

NeSCC Policy 02.11.00 Grading System

NeSCC Policy 02.11.01 Final Grade Reporting

NeSCC Policy 02.11.03 Recording and Removal of an Incomplete

NeSCC Policy 06:02:00 Academic Affairs

NeSCC Policy 06:21:00 Grade Appeal Subcommittee

Purpose

A Northeast State Community College student has the right to know the reason for grade assignments and the correct answer to examination questions. In matters of interpretation, the College accepts the judgment of the faculty member as the professional in the discipline. In instances where a student believes they have received an incorrect final grade, the appeals process is possible. The student must follow the Final Grade Appeal Procedure as outlined below.

Grounds for Appeal

1. Errors of omission: The student contends that a certain test, homework, or class project was submitted but not graded.
2. Errors in averaging: The student contends that an error in the mathematical calculations of graded material occurred.
3. Errors in course practices: The student contends that there was gross disparity between the course syllabus and the manner in which the course was conducted; in particular, the manner in which the individual student was treated.

Procedure

When a student believes there are circumstances that warrant the appeal of the final grade received in a course for reasons other than academic misconduct, the student may appeal the grade. The appeal process must begin within 30 business days following the day in which grades are due in the student information system (for the term in which the grade was assigned).

1. Should the student wish to formally appeal a final grade, they may submit a formal written appeal to the instructor of the course in question. The appeal must be initiated within 30 business days following the day in which final grades are due in the student information system. The student will indicate the grounds for appeal in the formal written appeal. If the student is unable to reach the course instructor, the student should contact the appropriate division office for assistance. 
   
   The instructor will notify the student of their findings in writing within five (5) business days of the receipt of the formal written appeal.
   
   
2. If no satisfactory agreement is reached with the instructor, the student may submit a formal written appeal to the appropriate academic dean. The student’s written appeal must include documentation that they consulted with the instructor and the instructor’s decision (as outlined in Step One, above). It must also include the basis of the appeal, as noted under the Grounds for Appeal section, outlined above. The formal written appeal must be submitted within five (5) business days of receipt of the instructor’s findings.
   
   The appropriate academic dean will investigate the appeal, render a decision, and submit a written report of the findings to the student, the instructor, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The written report must be submitted within five (5) business days of receipt of the student’s appeal.
   
   
3. If the appeal is denied by the academic dean, the student may request in writing that the documentation and written appeal be forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The request that the documentation and written appeal be forwarded must be submitted to the academic dean within five (5) business days of receipt of the dean’s decision.
   
   The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the appeal, render a decision, and submit a written report of the findings to the student and the academic dean. The written report of the findings must be submitted within ten (10) business days of receipt of the written appeal and documentation. The academic dean will notify the instructor as appropriate.
   
   
4. If the student is not in agreement with the decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, they may request in writing a hearing before the Grade Appeal Subcommittee.  To request a hearing, the student must request that the Vice President of Academic Affairs forward the written appeal to the chair of the Grade Appeal Subcommittee.  The student must submit this request to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within five (5) business days of receipt of the findings from the Vice President.
    
   1. The Subcommittee will determine through a majority vote of its members if the appeal has merit for further investigation based upon one of the allowable grounds for appeal. 
   2. If the Subcommittee determines the appeal has merit for further investigation, the Subcommittee chair will convene a hearing with the Grade Appeal Subcommittee within ten (10) business days of the chair receiving the appeal.  During the hearing, the Subcommittee retains the right to ask questions of each party and to call on such expertise as it deems appropriate to arrive at a decision.
   3. The Grade Appeal Subcommittee will forward its recommendation in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within 15 business days from the request for the hearing.
      
      
5. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the Subcommittee’s recommendation, issue a written report relative to the Subcommittee’s findings, and forward the report to the President. The report must be submitted within five (5) business days of receipt of the findings from the Grade Appeal Subcommittee.
   
   
6. The President will review the student’s appeal, the Subcommittee’s findings, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ recommendation, render a decision, and submit a written report of the findings to the student, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the chair of the Grade Appeal Subcommittee. The report must be submitted within ten (10) business days of receipt of the report. The President’s decision will be final. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify the academic dean and the instructor, as appropriate.