Grade Appeal Process
GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURE
- Before Formally bringing an appeal, the student is asked to:
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- Discuss the matter fully with the instructor to understand reason for grade given
- Believe firmly that the grade is not an accurate measure of performance and that he/she has been wronged.
- Write a letter to the Dean stating the reasons why a grade change should be considered.
- Meet with the Dean who determines, if complaint is valid, to initiate the appeals procedure
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- The Dean identifies faculty members (three in the case of design studio appeals; two faculty member otherwise) who are familiar with the work of the course but who were not involved in teaching the student for the course in question.
- For design studio appeals, the Chair of Undergraduate Programs arranges a session in which:
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- The student posts the work of the studio
- The studio instructor presents the syllabus, objectives of the course and basis for the grade (the three reviewers and the Dean are present)
- The student presents (10-20 minutes) his/her understanding of the studio objectives and how he/she believes the work has met the objectives. (the three reviewers and the Dean are present)
- After the respective presentations, the reviewers make a recommendation to the Dean. They may recommend any grade, including one which is lower than that originally given.
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- For non-studio appeals, the Dean collects student work from the course and shares it, along with the instructor’s stated objectives, with the faculty reviewers and asks for a recommendation.
- The Dean considers the recommendation and makes a decision. If it is to change the grade, the course instructor is asked to make the change. If the instructor refuses to do so, the Dean will make the change.
- If not satisfied with the Dean’s Decision, the student may continue the appeal with the Faculty Board on appeals as described in the RENSSELAER HANDBOOK – See page 11, Section: Faculty Academic Board.
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