Grade Appeals

The student has a right to the grade he or she has earned, the right to know the grading system of the instructor, and the right to know grades as they are given during the semester. The grading system should be included in the course syllabus.

If the student feels that he or she is not being graded justly, the student should first consult the instructor. If this consultation proves unsatisfactory, the student should then consult the department chairperson. If the student still feels that the problem has not been resolved, he or she should consult the dean of the college in which the course is offered to request a committee hearing.

The student has the right to submit a grade appeal form to the dean up to 30 days after the beginning of the subsequent semester, excluding summers. It may happen, however, that a hearing may not be able to be scheduled until after that time. Until the grade is finally determined, the student’s academic standing and all related rights and privileges are based on the grade as originally assigned.The student shall collect and present any evidence (tests, papers, laboratory reports, etc.) to the dean.

The dean may appoint a committee composed of the dean or the dean’s designated representative, two faculty members, who, if possible, should be familiar with the course, and one student who has taken the course, if possible.

• The dean or the dean’s designated representative will serve as the non-voting chairperson of the committee.
• The student and instructor are to be apprised of the composition of the committee, and the dean should honor any reasonable objection either might have to appointed members.
• Both the student and the instructor have the right to present their position in person to the committee.
• The burden of proof will be on the student.
• The decision of the committee is final, and the grade it decides upon becomes the official grade for the course.

If the dean denies a student a committee hearing, the student may appeal to the provost. The provost may convene a committee composed of himself or herself or a representative, two faculty members (who should, if possible, be familiar with the course), and one student from the college in which the course is offered and who has taken the course.

• Both the student and the instructor are to be apprised of the composition of the committee, and the provost should honor any reasonable objection which either might have to appointed members.
• Both the student and the instructor have the right to present their position in person to the committee.
• The decision of the committee is final, and the grade it decides upon becomes the official grade for the course.

Loyola students enrolled in courses at other institutions are subject to the grade appeal policy at those institutions.