Academic Appeals

This document outlines the appeals policy and procedures for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Education. Graduate students in the Faculty of Education should consult the Office of the Dean for information related to appeals policy and procedures.

Refer to the above-linked document for important details and the proper order of procedure, but please be aware of the important deadlines noted below for an appeal to the Associate Dean or delegate.

Informal Appeals Procedures

Students who have concerns about their final grades should meet with the course instructor first. In many cases, students are not concerned about how the grade was determined, but rather how the grade will affect their academic standing. If this is the case, instructors should not consider altering the grade because of the consequences it might have. Instead, encourage the student to meet with the Office of the Student Ombuds to discuss possible options. If the concern is with regards to grades received on a final exam, students may apply for a reappraisal or re-examination of the final examination.

If the student is concerned about how the final grade was determined, that is, they have evidence of bias, unfair treatment, or an error in calculation, the student should first follow the process for informal grade appeals as outlined by the Faculty of Education. The process for informal grade appeal in the Faculty of Education is as follows:

  1. The student must first meet with the course instructor or if the instructor is unavailable, the Subject/Program Area Coordinator.
  2. If, after students have made a reasonable effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, the matter cannot be resolved, students shall then discuss their concerns with the Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Janelle McFeetors (janelle.mcfeetors@ualberta.ca).
  3. The Undergraduate Coordinator will investigate the concern further and Agenda 6: Revisions to Academic Appeals - Undergraduate Policy and Procedures Page A6-2 may meet with both the student and instructor to mediate the issue. The Undergraduate Coordinator may also consult with the corresponding Vice Dean if the situation warrants escalation.
  4. If the matter is not resolved, students may request a formal appeal to the Associate Dean, Academic & Student Experience. Formal grade appeals, with supporting documentation must be submitted to the Associate Dean, Academic & Student Experience by:
    • February 15 for Fall term courses
    • June 15 for full-year and Winter term courses
    • July 15 for Spring term courses
    • September 15 for Summer term courses

In the event of an adverse decision, students may initiate a formal appeal to the Faculty of Education Academic Appeals Committee (FEAAC). A copy of the Faculty Appeal Policy is available online: Academic Appeals - Undergraduate Policies & Procedures. 

Formal Appeals Procedure

In the event of an adverse decision, students may initiate a formal appeal after the student has exhausted potential remedies available through informal procedures, and if the student believes there has been an error or unfair treatment, a formal appeal may be initiated. Formal appeals are to be submitted to the Faculty of Education Academic Appeals Committee (FEAAC). A copy of the Faculty of Education Academic Appeals Undergraduate Policies and Procedures is available online.