Student complaints about grades are handled within the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). The process is as follows:
1. The student discusses the grade concern with the instructor of the course within 30 days of receipt of the questionable grade. The student should include factual information and limit the discussion to measurable elements of the course.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the discussion, he or she may appeal the decision to the associate dean of academic and student affairs. This appeal must be in writing and present the facts of the student's complaint and any evidence that supports the complainant's claim.
3. The associate dean will discuss the complaint with the student and the instructor and propose a solution.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome at this step, he or she may appeal the decision to the dean. All records of the previous steps will be provided to the dean of SPAA. The dean will collect whatever additional evidence he or she considers appropriate and make a decision.
5. Decisions of the dean of the school are final. There are no appeals beyond the dean.
