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Problems Involving Your Final Grade

In writing classes, the quality of the work submitted must be the primary factor in determining the grade. Simply having worked hard or having completed all the assignments is not grounds for appealing a grade. The Academic Mediation Policy of the College of Liberal Arts states, "A student may not use the procedure because he/she perceived the course to be 'too hard' or 'too demanding.'"

If you disagree with your final grade in ENG 101 or ENG 102, you must follow these procedures within the stated deadlines:

Step 1. Schedule a conference to submit your complaint directly to the course instructor within 10 class days of receiving your grade ("class days" are the days when classes are in session at the University). In this initial phase, you and your instructor should review all course requirements including:

• The instructor’s evaluation procedures
• Your performance
• Your examinations, papers, and other course projects

Step 2. If the complaint is not resolved and you wish to pursue the matter further, you must submit a formal written complaint within 15 class days of receiving your course grade to the Director of Writing Programs. This complaint must include a graded copy of your writing portfolio and the "Formal Complaint Form for Academic Mediation" (available in the English Department office). You must also submit a copy of the complaint form to your instructor. The Director of Writing Programs will consider the validity of the complaint, review the complaint with your instructor, and inform you of the decision within 15 class days. If you disagree with the outcome, you may continue with either step 3 or step 4.

Step 3. You may appeal the decision in writing to the Office of Judicial Affairs. This procedure must be completed within seven (7) class days after notification from the Director of Writing Programs. Your instructor and the Director will meet with a representative at the Judicial Affairs Office to review all the facts of the case and attempt to arrive at a mutual decision. (You may be asked to attend this meeting or to provide additional information in written form.) You may appeal this decision to the College of Liberal Arts Petitions Committee.

Step 4. You may submit a written appeal to the College of Liberal Arts Petition Committee within seven (7) class days after the Director of Writing Programs or the Office of Judicial Affairs has notified you of the decision. The Petitions Committee will consider the complaint. The committee or its designated representative may meet with your instructor, the Director of Writing Programs, and the Office of Judicial Affairs in order to thoroughly review the complaint and provide a recommendation to your instructor. Normally, this procedure should be completed within 30 class days after receiving the complaint.

Step 5. You may appeal the above decision again by writing to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts within seven (7) class days after you have been notified of the decision by the College Petitions Committee. The Dean may meet with your instructor, the Director of Writing Programs, and the Office of Judicial Affairs for a thorough review of the complaint and will make a final recommendation to your instructor.

The decision to change the grade will then be made by your instructor. Your instructor must initiate any change of grade since his or her decision prevails. The Director of Writing Programs will communicate your instructor’s decision to you.

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