Understanding your grades is a crucial part of your academic journey at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Most of the time, students accept the evaluations provided by their instructors. However, situations may arise where a student believes their academic performance has been graded unfairly. This guide clarifies the grounds for a grade appeal and outlines the process within Umich LSA, ensuring you understand your rights and the steps to take if you feel a grade reconsideration is warranted.
Grounds for Appealing a Grade in LSA Courses
It’s important to understand that simply disagreeing with a grade is not grounds for an appeal. The grade appeal process at Umich LSA is specifically designed to address instances of what is termed “capricious grading.” This refers to situations where the assigned grade deviates from fair and established standards. According to LSA policy, capricious grading falls into three main categories:
- Grading Based on Factors Other Than Performance: This occurs when a grade is assigned due to reasons unrelated to a student’s actual work in the course. Examples could include personal biases or factors not academically relevant to the course material.
- Differential Grading Standards: This involves applying stricter or more demanding grading criteria to one student compared to others in the same course. Fairness dictates that all students should be evaluated under the same set of standards.
- Substantial Departure from Announced Standards: If an instructor significantly changes the grading criteria from what was initially communicated in the syllabus or course materials, and this negatively impacts a student’s grade, it could be considered capricious grading.
It’s crucial to note that grade appeals are not intended to question an instructor’s academic judgment in evaluating the quality of a student’s work. The process is in place to address procedural fairness and adherence to established grading policies, not to debate the subjective assessment of academic merit. Clerical errors in grade recording are handled separately through a Supplementary Grade Report and do not require a formal appeal.
The University of Michigan and LSA recognize the importance of fair grading and the need for a mechanism to rectify unjust grades. The grade appeal procedure provides this redress. However, review committees are mindful that they lack the instructor’s deep understanding of the course subject matter and specific materials. They also acknowledge the inherent imprecision in grading, understanding that the nuances between grade levels (like a C and B-) are not typically grounds for formal appeals. Furthermore, committees must be cautious not to unfairly elevate one student’s grade, potentially diminishing the achievements of others in the class. Appeals based solely on the argument that one instructor grades more strictly than another are not considered valid.
Students considering a grade appeal should be aware that the review committee will not overturn an instructor’s judgment except in clear cases of capricious grading. The burden of proof rests firmly on the student to demonstrate the grade was unjustly awarded. In cases of reasonable doubt, the original grade will stand. Importantly, any grade complaint must be initiated within one term following the semester in which the course was taken.
The LSA Grade Appeal Process: Step-by-Step
The adjudication process for grade appeals within the LSA program at Umich involves a series of structured steps designed to facilitate resolution while respecting the roles of both students and instructors.
Step 1: Initial Discussion with the Instructor
Within the first two weeks of the semester following the one in which the grade was received, the student should formally communicate their concerns in writing to the instructor who assigned the grade. This communication should request a meeting to discuss the grade. During this meeting, the instructor is expected to explain the basis for the assigned grade and allow the student to point out any perceived errors or misjudgments.
If the instructor is a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), the student should first attempt to resolve the issue with the GSI. If no resolution is reached, the student should then contact the faculty member overseeing the course. If the instructor is unavailable, the student should proceed directly to Step 2. It is expected that Step 1 will be completed by January 30th for Fall term grades and September 30th for Spring, Summer, or Winter term grades. Grievances outside these timelines are considered only under extenuating circumstances.
Step 2: Contacting the Director of PICS (or International Institute)
If the meeting with the instructor does not resolve the issue, the student should next discuss the problem with the Director of PICS (Program in International and Comparative Studies). The student must submit a written letter detailing the specific nature of their complaint to the Director. The Director of PICS will then solicit a response from the instructor and assess whether there is sufficient basis for a committee hearing. If the Director of PICS is involved in the grievance, the Director of the International Institute will assume this role.
Step 3: Director’s Review and Decision
The Director of PICS (or International Institute) will review the information and determine if a committee hearing is warranted. If the Director concludes there is no basis for a hearing, they will inform the student. However, even if the Director advises against it, the student retains the right to insist on a committee hearing.
Step 4: Formation of an Ad Hoc Review Committee
If a basis for a formal hearing is established, or if the student insists on a hearing despite the Director’s recommendation, the grievance is referred to an ad hoc review committee.
Step 5: Composition of the Review Committee
This committee consists of three members appointed by the Director of PICS (or the Director of the International Institute if applicable): two faculty members and one student. The student member will be an undergraduate if the student appealing is an undergraduate, and a graduate student if the appellant is a graduate student.
Step 6: Committee Review and Recommendations
The review committee will investigate the grievance and submit a written summary of their findings and recommendations to both the instructor and the Director of PICS.
Step 7: Outcome if Original Grade is Upheld
If the review committee concludes that the original grade was fair and should stand, the Director of PICS (or International Institute) will inform the student in writing. This decision signifies the end of the appeal process within the International Studies Program, and no further appeal within the program is possible.
Step 8: Committee Recommendation for Grade Change
If the review committee finds that the instructor acted unfairly, improperly, or injudiciously in grading, the Director of PICS will attempt to persuade the instructor to adopt the committee’s recommendations for a grade change.
Step 9: Instructor Refusal and Final Program Decision
If the instructor refuses to change the grade despite the recommendations from the review committee and the Director of PICS, the instructor must provide a written explanation for their refusal to both the student and the Director. The Director of PICS will then provide the student with a written statement summarizing the entire appeal process, including the review committee’s recommendations, their own evaluation of the findings, and the instructor’s refusal to change the grade. It is critical to understand that there is no further appeal beyond the International Studies Program at this point.
Step 10: Finality of the Process
These procedures represent the complete and final grade appeal mechanism within the International Studies Program. Once these steps are exhausted, no further appeals are possible within the Program.
Exception for Unavailable Instructors
An exception to the initial discussion requirement exists if the instructor is no longer employed at the University of Michigan. In such cases, a student may directly present their grievance to the review committee without prior discussion with the instructor. The committee will attempt to contact the instructor to gather their perspective and formulate a recommendation. If this attempt is unsuccessful, the Director of the Program, in consultation with the committee, may approve a grade change.
This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of the grade appeal process within Umich LSA. By understanding these procedures, students can confidently navigate situations where they believe their grades have been unfairly assessed, ensuring a fair and equitable academic experience.
