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 is 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 about the appeal
    • A clear and detailed explanation of the appeal, including contextual information
    • Any supporting documentation 
  3. Review by Area Chair: If the appeal has merit, the Area Chair will notify the relevant committee. The Area Chair, in collaboration with the committee chairperson, will appoint a three-person grade appeal committee. If the instructor is no longer with the university, the Area Chair will appoint a faculty surrogate. [Learn More about Costello College of Business Academic Areas] 

  4. Grade Appeal Committee Actions:

    1. The committee will request relevant documentation from both the student and the faculty member.

    2. Either the student or faculty member may request that one committee member be replaced by another faculty representative.

    3. The committee will schedule a hearing, where both parties present their cases separately.

  5. 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. 

  6. 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.