Grade Appeal Process
The Grade Appeal Process provides students with the opportunity to voice their concerns about a classroom or academic experience. This process provides an unbiased forum to discuss your experience.
Students wishing to appeal or discuss an academic or classroom concern must start this process within two weeks of the incident creating concern. No adverse action will be taken against a student who chooses to utilize this process. If a student feels that they are being treated adversely as a result of filing the appeal, they should notify the ombudsman at https://www.hocking.edu/student-affairs#ombudsperson.
Prior to submitting a grade appeal, the student must first discuss the situation with the faculty member. If the situation is not resolved with the faculty member, the student begins the grade appeal process by submitting documentation to the Program Manager overseeing the program.
Please review all of the steps involved in the process, stated below. Since this is a formal process, you should keep copies of all records and activities relative to this appeal and be properly prepared to present your appeal.
Step 1: Gather pertinent data
The first step in filing an appeal is to gather pertinent data, which may include (but is not limited to):
- Course syllabus
- Any addendums (for example, handbooks or other handouts) supplied by the faculty if applicable to the course
- Copies of any/all tests, quizzes or papers in your possession which may be relevant to the situation
- Copies of any/all notices and/or correspondence between you and the faculty member relevant to the situation
Make sure you describe in writing what happened, when it happened, why it happened, and how it happened. Organize your thoughts and be as specific as possible with dates, times and a list of any witnesses. Be factual.
Step 2: Meet with Program Manager
(Must make appointment within two weeks of the incident Contact information for each chair by academic school can be found online in the College Directory.)
Make an appointment with the Program Manager responsible for the course. Present your documentation respectfully and discuss your concerns with the experience and your meeting with the instructor.
The Program Manager will gather information and discuss with the faculty member. They may have a meeting with the student and faculty member.
The Program Manager will submit the decision in writing to the student and faculty member within one week of the initial meeting with the student.
Step 3: Final Appeal with the Dean, if necessary
(To be completed within two weeks of receiving the decision from the Program Manager.)
If the situation is not resolved at the Program Manager level, the student may submit their final appeal for a hearing with the Dean. All previous documentation from the student, faculty member, and Program Manager will be submitted to the Deans office and a hearing date will be set.
The Dean will review all pertinent materials and render a final decision