Each Course Director has overall responsibility and authority for their course. Only the Course Director may assign a grade for the course.
A student may appeal a course grade only in the instance of a failing grade (F). The appeal may be submitted in writing to the Program Director within five (5) business days of notification of a failing grade (F). The Program Director, or their designee, shall consider an appeal that is timely and properly filed and render a final determination. For an appeal to be properly filed, it must be sent to the Program Director, with a copy to the appropriate Course Director, and must be received within five (5) business days of the date the final grade was issued. During the appeals process, the Program Director will not reconsider the facts and statements upon which the original decision was based, but will consider only:
- Whether new information regarding the student academic progress has been discovered, previously unknown to the student or Course Director;
- Whether there is an allegation of discrimination as determined by the appropriate institution (allegations of discrimination will be forwarded to the appropriate University office for investigation);
- Whether there is evidence of a procedural error in the Course Director’s assignment of the final grade; or
- Whether there is evidence that the Course Director acted in an arbitrary or capricious manner.
- The preponderance of the evidence presented does not support the findings and decisions.
The Program Director may affirm or reject the course directors’ decision or refer the matter back to the course director for further consideration. The Program Director’s decision is final.
Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted or otherwise prohibit the Program Director or their designee from immediately suspending a student for an egregious violation of the honor code, code of conduct, professionalism, allegations involving serious criminal behavior, or when the continued presence of the student raises serious concerns for the health, safety, and wellbeing for that student and/or others or where there is reason to believe that the continued presence or participation of the student will be disruptive to the educational process and/or the orderly administration of the University or University activities. In such case, the student will be provided with written notice of the suspension and after review, appropriate action will be taken pursuant to policy.