Final Grade Appeal Policy and Procedures
Trevecca Nazarene University recognizes a student’s right to appeal decisions and practices that affect his or her academic status without fear of punishment or unfair treatment. A student can expect the University to deal with a final course grade appeal sincerely, objectively, within a reasonable time frame, and as appropriate, in confidence. Appeals will be heard when the student alleges that an arbitrary, capricious, or prejudiced evaluation or a mechanical error has occurred. The purpose of the appeal process is to treat all parties fairly and to alert all parties to the appeal procedure. During the appeal, the burden of proof is on the student, except in the case of alleged academic dishonesty, in which case the professor must support the accusation. The student may have an advisor or friend present during all meetings with faculty, administrators, and/or committees; he or she may counsel the student but may not speak for the student during the meetings. The grade appealed shall remain in effect until the appeal process is completed, or the problem is resolved.
Order of Appeal for Traditional Undergraduate Programs
(For the order of appeal for adult studies and graduate programs, see their respective catalog supplements.)
Should a student feel there is concrete reason to appeal a course grade, these procedures should be followed sequentially:
- The University supports and encourages responsive and respectful dialogue between faculty and students when there is a disagreement about a final course grade. Whatever the nature of the grade appeal, the student must make an effort to first discuss the matter with the faculty member. In order to begin the appeal process, students must initiate a complaint to the faculty member in writing or via e-mail within 15 calendar days of the posting of a final grade. The faculty member will provide a written response within 15 calendar days of receiving the letter or e-mail from the student.
- If the student is not satisfied with the faculty member’s response or lack of response, the student shall contact the person designated in the table below as the second level of appeal (either the program director or department chair) within 30 calendar days of the posting of a final grade. The contact needs to be in writing. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the program director or department chair will communicate with the student within 30 calendar days to attempt to resolve the issue.
- If after the meeting with the program director or department chair, the student is still not satisfied with the decision, the student may choose to file an appeal to the school dean in which the course under appeal is housed. This appeal must be in writing within 15 calendar days of the previous contact with the program director or department chair. The dean will contact the student within 15 calendar days of receiving the appeal in an attempt to resolve the issue. The dean may elect to include or consult with others in evaluating the appeal. The decision of the dean is final.
The following diagram illustrates the order of appeals for traditional undergraduate programs. In the event the professor happens to be a department chair, program director, or dean, the appeal will be submitted to the next higher academic officer. In other words, every student will have the right to have his/her appeal heard by the professor and two other academic administrators.
The student may elect to discontinue the appeal process at any level.
The failure of the student to proceed from one level of the appeal procedure to the next level within the prescribed time limits shall be deemed to be an acceptance of the decision previously rendered. All further considerations and proceedings regarding that particular appeal will cease at that point. Under unusual circumstances, deadlines may be extended.
The following table illustrates the specific person to whom an appeal is directed, depending upon the academic program in which the course under appeal is offered. The three levels of appeal must be followed sequentially.
Traditional Undergraduate
| Level One |
Level Two |
Level Three |
| Professor |
Department Chair or Director of Interdepartmental or Interdisciplinary Program |
Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Skinner School of Business, School of Education, School of Music and Worship Arts, School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Millard Reed School of Theology and Christian Ministry, or University Provost |