Academic Appeals
C.3.01 Defined:
An academic appeal is a formal request brought by a student to change a grade, or to challenge a penalty imposed for violation of standards of academic integrity, such as plagiarism or cheating. A request to change a grade or to challenge a penalty must be made within twelve (12) months of the action. A grade may only be changed by the instructor of record (or by a full-time instructor in the absence of the instructor of record) or by the Academic Appeals Committee.
C.3.02 Basis for Academic Appeal:
An academic appeal will be considered if there is evidence that one or more of the following conditions exist:
a. error in calculation of grade;
b. deviation from the syllabus or System policy manual;
c. academic disparate treatment of a student that is not addressed by EEO processes; or
d. inappropriate penalty(ies) imposed for an academic integrity violation.
An appeal will not be considered because of general dissatisfaction with a grade, penalty, or outcome of a course, or because of disagreement with the instructor's professional judgment of the quality of the student's work and performance.
C.3.03 Procedure:
Before a student may bring an academic appeal, he or she should first meet with the instructor to request that a change be made. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome or cannot consult with the instructor, he or she shall meet with the appropriate Academic Dean to determine if a resolution can be reached.
If resolution is not reached and the student desires to pursue the appeal, the student will state specifically the basis of the appeal, in writing, to the Chief Academic Officer.
If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the appeal does not meet the requirements of this policy, he/she shall communicate this fact, in writing, to the student.
If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the appeal is appropriate under this policy, he/she shall convene the Academic Appeals Committee to consider the complaint.
The Chief Academic Officer shall notify the student, in writing, regarding the Academic Appeals Committee meeting date, the student's rights, and next steps in the process.
C.3.04 Academic Appeals Committee:
An Academic Appeals Standing Committee shall be appointed at each College within the System for one year, and shall consist of:
1. Four (4) full-time faculty members appointed by the Chief Academic Officer, one of whom shall be appointed chair of the Committee; and
2. Two students who shall be nominated by the Chief Students Affairs Officer, and appointed by the Chief Academic Officer.
Members of the Committee shall be replaced or added by the Chief Academic Officer if conflict of interest is apparent, a member is unable to attend a hearing, or specific expertise is required in regard to the circumstances of the appeal.
C.3.05 Hearing Procedure:
The Committee shall be convened by the chair, in a timely manner, and shall conduct its activities in private. The student and the faculty member shall be permitted to present witnesses, and evidence relevant to the appeal.
The Committee shall not be bound by rules of evidence, and shall conduct its hearing in an informal manner. The student or faculty member may have a representative present, but that representative shall not be allowed to participate during the hearing. A two-thirds majority of the full committee shall be required to change the grade, penalty or academic action at issue.
The Committee shall inform the Chief Academic Officer of its decision in writing. The Chief Academic Officer will notify the student and faculty member in writing of the Committee's decision.
C.3.06 Appeal Committee Final:
The decision of the Academic Appeals Committee is final.
LSCS Policy Manual Section adopted by the Board of Trustees on August 7, 2008