Grade Appeals

Grade Appeals

While individual faculty members are considered the best judges of student performance, there may be situations where a student believes a grade has been unfairly assigned. In such cases, Costello College of Business students are encouraged to first address the issue directly with the course instructor, as they have the most knowledge of the student's work and the course context. It is advisable for students to engage in proactive communication with their professors throughout the term, rather than waiting until the end of the semester. 

Missed deadlines, missed exams, lack of curving, or non-use of +/- grades are not considered valid grounds for a grade appeal. 

Grade Appeal Process

  1. Initial Contact: Students should first discuss the grade concern directly with the course instructor. 
  2. Formal Appeal: If no resolution can be reached, the student may submit a written grade appeal to the Area Chair for the course. This appeal must include the following and be submitted before the last day of classes for the following semester:
    • Evidence of prior communication with the faculty regarding the appeal
    • A clear and detailed explanation of the appeal, including contextual information
    • Any and all supporting documentation 
  3. If the Area Chair believes the student’s appeal does not have merit, this reservation is reported to the Dean (or designee).  No review is conducted unless the Dean (or designee) believes the appeal has merit. 
  4. Grade Appeal Committee: If the basis of the appeal is deemed to have merit (by Area Chair or by Dean/designee), the Area Chair will notify the chair of the appropriate policy committee of the appeal. The Area Chair will provide contact information for both the student and the faculty member involved. [Learn More about Costello College of Business Academic Areas] 

  5. Grade Appeal Committee Actions: A three-member grade appeal committee is appointed by the appropriate policy committee. This committee selects their own chair who will: 

    • Notify the student and faculty member of the committee’s composition (allowing each party to challenge maximum one member) 

      • the chair will replace any member challenged with a replacement member

    • Collect relevant documentation 

    • Schedule a hearing 

    • Provides at least one week’s notice of the hearing

      • students are allowed one nonparticipating observer to attend the hearing with them. student must provide the identity and contact information for this observer upon notice of the hearing 

    • Convenes the hearing, meeting first with the student and then with the faculty member 

  6. Committee Recommendation: After the hearing, the grade appeal committee will provide a written recommendation to the Area Chair, explaining the rationale behind its findings. Copies of the recommendation will also be sent to the faculty member and Dean (or designee). The faculty member will have the opportunity to implement any recommended actions. 

  7. Further Action: If the issue remains unresolved, the Area Chair will review the committee’s recommendation and make a further recommendation to the Dean (or designee). The Dean's decision will be final and not open to further appeal. If a grade change is deemed necessary and the faculty member declines to implement it, the Dean (or designee) may instruct the Office of the University Registrar to process the change. 

Important Notes

  • The Costello College of Business Office of Student Success and Academic Services does not handle grade changes or appeals. All appeals are managed through the Area Chair and academic department. 
  • For courses taught outside the Costello College of Business, students must contact the appropriate department or school for their grade appeal procedures. 
  • The Provost's Office does not consider grade appeals. The decision of the Dean (or designee) is final.