Handbook

STUDENT APPEALS

The following procedure applies to all students who have academic grievances against instructors in the Department of English.

Appeals must be initiated no later than the end of the next regular academic term (either fall or spring semester) following the academic decision being appealed.

In appeals of academic decisions, the burden of proof lies with the student. Complaints should have a substantive basis--that the final grade does not seem to be based on the cumulative grades, for example. The student must demonstrate that the decision was: (i) a decision on some basis other than performance; or (ii) a decision based on unreasonable standards different from those which were applied to other students; or (iii) a decision by a substantial, unreasonable, and unannounced departure from previously articulated standards.

STEP 1. If a student feels s/he has been graded unfairly, s/he will first seek out the instructor and ask for an explanation of the grade. The instructor, in turn, will fulfill his/her professional duty by explaining the given grade. Every effort should be made to resolve the problem at this step.

STEP 2. If resolution proves impossible, the student should write a letter to the Coordinator of the Composition Program, the Undergraduate Program, or the Graduate Program, as appropriate, containing a narrative of relevant events and stating the basis for the student's appeal. After the Coordinator makes sure the student has discussed the matter with the instructor, s/he will confer with the student and the instructor if need be, and attempt to resolve the dispute. Papers, tests, and so forth, may be reviewed. If resolution is not achieved, the Coordinator will forward the appeal with accompanying materials to the Chair of the English Department.

STEP 3. The student should make an appointment to discuss the appeal with the Chair of the English Department. The Chair can attempt to resolve the dispute alone, or s/he can ask the appearance of the Coordinator, the instructor, and so forth. The Chair will respond in writing to all parties within a reasonable time. If the Chair's response is unacceptable to the faculty member(s) or the student, either party may then appeal in writing to a departmental appeals committee.

STEP 4. The appeals committee will consist of one faculty member from each curriculum committee (Graduate, Undergraduate, Composition), appointed by the respective Coordinators, for each appeal.

STUDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT WHILE THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WILL WORK TOWARD A FAIR AND EQUITABLE RESOLUTION, THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT COMPEL AN INSTRUCTOR TO CHANGE A GRADE.

STEP 5. Appeal of the committee's findings shall be in writing to the dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences wherein the appealing party shall stipulate the basis for the appeal. The academic dean should decide the case within a reasonable time and communicate the decision in writing to all parties.

STEP 6. Appeal of the dean's findings should be made in writing to the Provost/Academic Vice President setting out the basis for the appeal. The Provost/Academic Vice President should make a determination within a reasonable time. The decision of the Provost/Academic Vice President shall be final.