Grade Appeals

This page outlines Dominican University New York’s academic appeals procedures, including grade appeals and appeals related to academic integrity. These procedures apply to all enrolled students. Students with complaints about online programs who reside outside New York State should also review the Online Program Complaints Resolution page for SARA-specific guidance.

Grade Appeals

Evaluation of student performance in most college and university courses is the prerogative and responsibility of the course instructor. Students should be aware that, in questions relating to the quality of that performance, the professional judgment of the faculty member is commonly accepted as authoritative.

An appeal is most likely to result in a change of grade for a course if it includes evidence that:

• there was an error in computing the grade;
• the grade was determined by standards improperly different from those applied to other students in the course; or
• the methods of grading were inconsistent with the policy stated in the course syllabus.

Initiating a Grade Appeal

Students who have reason to believe that an error has occurred with regard to the grade assigned are directed to discuss the issue with the faculty member who assigned the grade. The deadline for pursuing a grade appeal is five business days after the posting of the grade.

The faculty member shall meet with the student, either in person or via video conferencing, within five business days of the receipt of the appeal, and review the records and evidence together to determine whether any error or omission has occurred. If an error has been made, the procedure described in the University’s Grade Change policy is followed.

Escalation Path

If the issue is not resolved between the student and the faculty member, the student may escalate the matter in writing, with supporting evidence, at each stage below. Each escalation must occur within five business days of the completion of the previous step.

1. Discipline Coordinator / Program Director — written appeal with supporting evidence.
2. Division Director — if not resolved at the Program Director level.
3. Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean — if not resolved at the Division Director level. The VPAA / Academic Dean may refer the matter to the Committee on Academic Standards or the Graduate Studies Council.

Hearing by the Committee on Academic Standards — and for graduate students, the Graduate Studies Council — is the final level of appeal in all matters related to disputed grades or to alleged violations of academic integrity. The Committee has the option of reviewing the written appeal only, or of inviting the student making the appeal, the instructor who assigned the grade, and any other relevant concerned party to appear before them.

Committee Recommendations and Outcomes

After hearing the appeal, the appropriate committee will make a formal recommendation to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean regarding any actions. If the committee determines that the grade should be changed, it will provide the instructor with a written explanation of its reasons and will request that the instructor change the grade. The instructor will either make the recommended change or provide a written explanation to the committee for not doing so. Only then, upon the written recommendation of the appropriate committee, will the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean have the authority to effect a change in grade over the objection of the instructor.

In ordinary circumstances, grade appeals should be resolved within one month of the beginning of the next semester. In cases involving graduating seniors, an expedited timeline may be established on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean, who may refer the matter directly to the Academic Standards Committee or the Graduate Studies Council as applicable. If a grade appeal submitted by a graduating senior in their last semester is successful after the student has graduated, the Registrar is authorized to make any grade change to the student’s final transcript upon notification from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean.

Appeals of Sanctions Related to Breaches of Academic Integrity

A student has the right to appeal the decision for disciplinary action assigned by an instructor or the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean.

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals related to academic integrity are limited to the following three grounds:

1. Irregularity in the investigation;
2. The punishment, penalty, or discipline was excessive or inconsistent with the nature of the offense; or
3. New and pertinent evidence or facts that were unavailable at the time of the action.

If the student does not file the appeal within the specified deadline, the decision of the faculty member or the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean shall be final.

Appeal of a Sanction Imposed by an Instructor

In cases where the decision is made by the instructor, the appeal process follows the same escalation path outlined above for grade appeals: the student first attempts resolution with the faculty member, then escalates in writing to the Discipline Coordinator / Program Director, then to the Division Director, and finally — if no resolution is reached — to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean. All formal appeals must be made in writing no later than the deadlines listed below.

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean may affirm the faculty member’s decision if it is determined that the appeal on its face is frivolous or without merit, which shall be communicated in writing to the student. If the Office of the VPAA / Academic Dean determines that the appeal has merit, the sanction may be lifted or reduced. Alternatively, the Office of the VPAA / Academic Dean may refer the matter to the Committee on Academic Standards or the Graduate Studies Council as applicable.

Appeal of a Sanction Imposed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean

Decisions of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Academic Dean may be appealed to the Committee on Academic Standards or the Graduate Studies Council as applicable. The student’s appeal must be in writing and submitted to the chair of the Committee on Academic Standards or the Graduate Studies Council within ten business days of the official notification of the sanction imposed by the Office of the VPAA / Academic Dean. The student’s notice of appeal should describe in detail any relevant evidence and line of argument. Appeals are limited to the three criteria outlined above.

A hearing of the appeal will be held within fifteen business days of the notice of appeal. If the notice of appeal is received by the chair of the Committee on Academic Standards or the Graduate Studies Council with fewer than fifteen business days remaining in the semester, the appeal process will begin with the opening of the following semester. The process may, however, go forward during intersession or the summer if the student so requests, the instructor can be present, and Committee on Academic Standards or Graduate Studies Council members are available.

Appeal Hearing Procedures

The Committee on Academic Standards or the Graduate Studies Council shall conduct an appeal hearing in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. The Chair of the Committee or Council shall provide