Final Grade Change Appeals
Errors in grading occur periodically. Peninsula College encourages resolution of grading issues to occur between the student and instructor. Should a student believe their final course grade was made in error, the following steps should be used to resolve the issue.
Review Standards:
Instructors have academic freedom, which is essential to the fulfillment of the purposes of Peninsula College. Instructors are free to select the content and methods through which they discharge their responsibilities. Evaluation of academic achievement is by nature subjective and requires an expert evaluation of cumulative information best determined by the individual instructor.
Student grade review requests and responses to those requests shall be in writing and may be provided by email sent to the instructor’s college email address.
Grade change appeals shall be limited to:
- Objective grading errors, and;
- Arbitrary or capriciousness review of student’s work.
The student bears the burden of proof since assigned grades are presumed to be correct.
Step 1:
The student shall contact their instructor in writing, informing them of their specific concerns, and detailing the evidence warranting a grade change. The written submission to the instructor shall be done within 30 calendar days of the transcription of their final course grade. The instructor shall evaluate the request based on the evidence the student presents.
The instructor shall issue a short, written decision to either adjust or maintain the grade within 30 calendar days of receiving the concern, unless the instructor informs the student that additional time is needed for good cause. The instructors should provide a short statement supporting the reason for their decision.
If the instructor is no longer employed by Peninsula College, the student shall proceed to step 2.
If the student does not receive a response from the instructor within 30 days of their grade appeal request, they may proceed to step 2.
Step 2:
If Step 1 does not produce a satisfactory result for the student, the student may arrange a meeting to discuss their concern with the appropriate dean within 20 calendar days of the issuance of the instructor’s written decision. The dean shall issue a written decision to either adjust or maintain the grade within 20 calendar days of receiving the student’s grade appeal. The dean does not need to provide a reason for their decision.
Extenuating Circumstances:
Should a student be unable to timely challenge their grades due to military leave, family leave, medical leave, or another emergency, they can petition for an extension. The petition should include written documentation supporting their need for additional time. Petitions for additional time shall be made to the appropriate dean. The reviewing dean has sole discretion as to whether or not to grant such an extension.