Student complaints concerning the grading practices of individual instructors are to be handled in the following manner:
1. The student is urged to meet with the faculty member as soon as dissatisfaction is encountered. This step allows the student to determine whether an error has been made in assigning the grade. Alternatively, it provides the faculty member an opportunity to explain the basis for the grade.
2. If the matter is not resolved, the student is urged to meet with the course leader, where relevant, within two weeks of receiving the unsatisfactory grade.
3. If the student remains dissatisfied with the handling of the complaint and wishes to pursue it, he or she must, within two weeks of the above meeting, address a letter of complaint to the chairperson of the Student Life Committee. This letter should outline in detail the nature of the complaint, the surrounding circumstances, and the action requested of the committee. Scholastic materials and supporting papers also should be submitted at this time. The chairperson organizes a reevaluation of all components of the grade in question.
4. The Student Life Committee chairperson validates that each previous step has been completed in accordance with this policy and appoints a grievance subcommittee to review and address the grade complaint. The subcommittee meets for this purpose within two weeks of receipt of the letter of complaint. The following people attend this meeting: the student/complainant, the faculty member, and the course leader. In addition, a support person may accompany the student/complainant to the meeting with the grievance subcommittee; however, the support person may not participate in the meeting nor speak on behalf of the student/complainant.
5. Within 72 hours of the meeting to hear the grade complaint, the grievance subcommittee will make recommendations on its disposition, in writing, to the associate dean for academic affairs and research. The basis of the recommendations shall be included.
6. Within one week, the associate dean for academic affairs and research will make the final decision regarding the grade complaint and notify, in writing, each of the following parties: student/complainant, faculty member, course leader, faculty adviser, and, when appropriate, the chairperson of the Scholastic Standing Committee.
