Grade Appeals
The determination of the final grades in a course is the initial responsibility of the instructor(s). Student grades are unofficial until they have been approved by the Department.
Marks RECEIVED ON COURSEWORK
Every course syllabus explains how that course will be graded, including what each assignment and exam is worth. More information on the grading system can be viewed here.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FINAL GRADE
Your instructor knows the most about your performance in class and how your final grade was calculated, so they are your first point of contact for any questions. You should talk to your instructor as soon as possible. Most students do not move forward with an appeal after a discussion with their instructor.
APPEALING YOUR FINAL GRADE
If you are not satisfied by your instructor’s explanation, then you may make an Informal Appeal to the Chair (or Chair’s delegate) of the Department which offers the course.
While a student is entitled to an explanation of why a Grade was awarded, the following do not constitute grounds for an Appeal:
- disliking the instructor’s marking scheme;
- coming close to (but failing to meet) the instructor’s cut-off point for a higher grade;
- disagreeing with the instructor’s judgment about the quality of submitted work.
Only the following may constitute grounds for an appeal:
- errors in calculation;
- procedural errors;
- failure to consider all relevant factors;
- bias and/or discrimination.
If you are not satisfied by the decision of the Chair or Chair’s delegate, then you may make a written Informal Appeal to the Associate Dean. The deadlines to submit a written Informal Grade Appeal to the Associate Dean are:
- March 1 for Fall-term course grades;
- July 25 for Winter-term or full-year courses;
- Within sixty Calendar Days after the posting of final Grades on Bear Tracks for Spring/Summer-term courses.
If the situation is not resolved by the decision of the Associate Dean, then students may make a written Formal Appeal to the Faculty of Arts Academic and Grade Appeals Committee. The grounds for a Formal Appeal must include one or more of the following:
- errors in calculation
- a procedural error;
- failure to consider all factors relevant to the decision being appealed;
- bias and/or discrimination.
RESOURCES:
Note:
The Faculty recommends that students consult with the Student Ombuds for advice in formulating appeals and to act as advisors at Appeal Hearings.