• Mistake - may include, but is not limited to errors made by an instructor in calculating a student's grade and clerical errors.
  • Fraud - may include, but is not limited to, inaccurate recording or change of a grade by any person who gains access to grade records without authorization.
  • Bad Faith - may include, but is not limited, to a lack of honesty and trust; intent to deceive.
  • Incompetence - may include, but is not limited to, the instructor not possessing and demonstrating the necessary ability and skill to fulfill the instructor's duties and responsibilities set forth in job descriptions, course outlines, District policies, procedures, and regulations, and applicable laws.

A student who has a grade appeal shall make a reasonable effort to resolve the matter through direct communication with the instructor. If the student’s concern cannot be resolved, this procedure outlines the Course Grade Appeal process. The Course Grade Appeal process is not a legal proceeding. 

 STEP ONE GRADE APPEAL

Step One Grade Appeals must begin no later than 180 calendar days after the grade was assigned.

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  1. The student must contact the instructor.  
    Note: a) If the instructor no longer works for the District or cannot be reached 100 days after the student initially attempts to contact the instructor regarding a grade appeal; or b) if a student has filed a discrimination complaint; or c) if the district determines that it is possible there has been gross misconduct by the original instructor, then the division chair shall assign a faculty member from within the division to stand as the instructor's proxy.
  2. If the student's grade appeal has not been resolved with the instructor, the student must contact the division chair, who will attempt to mediate a resolution between the instructor and the student.
  3. If the student's grade appeal has not been resolved, the student must contact the dean over the division. The dean will attempt to mediate a resolution between the instructor and the student.
  4. If the dean cannot mediate a resolution, the dean, in consultation with the student, may call for a Grade Review Panel.

STEP ONE GRADE REVIEW PANEL

1.  The student shall submit the following materials to the dean:

A.  The name of the instructor, course ID, CRN, and semester of the class for which the grade is being appealed.
B.  A detailed summary of the actions already taken to resolve the issue, including accounts of meetings pertaining to the grade appeal, along with dates and times of said meetings, as well as any emails that were sent during the Step One Grade Appeal proceedings.
C.  A clear and concise statement detailing the reasons the student believes the grade should be changed.
D.  Copies of all pertinent documents, assignments, or related materials

2.  Upon receiving the student's request, the dean will convene the Step One Grade Review Panel. The composition of the Panel is as follows:

A.  The instructor of the course (the only voting member, due to Title 5, § 55025).
B.  The division chair (non-voting member).
C.  The dean (non-voting member).

3.  The Step One Grade Review Panel will determine if a grade change is warranted. In a closed formal hearing:

A.  The review panel will evaluate the documents submitted by the student.
B.  The review panel will discuss whether the grade change request is warranted.
C.  The instructor will reevaluate the grade assigned and conclude whether or not to change the grade.
D.  The result of the Grade Review Panel shall be communicated to the student.
E.  This marks the close of the Step One Grade Appeal.

STEP TWO GRADE APPEAL

Step Two Grade Appeals must begin no later than 280 calendar days after the grade was assigned.

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1.  Step Two cannot begin until both of the following conditions have been met:

A.  The dean, after consultation with the student, believes that Title 5, § 55025 may have been violated.
B.  The student has completed the process of the Step One Grade Appeal and the Step One Grade Review Panel.

2.  The student will submit the following information:

A.  A clear and concise statement of the instructor's specific violation of Title 5, § 55025.
B.  The name of the instructor, course ID, CRN, and semester of the class for which the grade is being appealed.
C.  A detailed summary of the actions already taken to resolve the issue, including accounts of meetings pertaining to the grade appeal, along with dates and times of said meetings, as well as any emails that were sent during the Step One Grade Appeal proceedings.
D.  Copies of all pertinent documents, assignments, or related materials indicating that Title 5, § 55025 has been violated.

3.  The Vice President of Academic Affairs, upon receiving the student’s request for a formal hearing will convene the Step Two Grade Review Panel. The composition of the Step Two Grade Review Panel is as follows:

A.  The Vice President for Academic Affairs (non-voting member).
B.  Three faculty members from within the division of the class in question.

STEP TWO GRADE REVIEW PANEL

1. The Step Two Grade Review Panel will determine if a violation of California Title 5 § 55025 has occurred. In a closed formal hearing, the review panel will:

A.  Receive a signed written statement from the dean, specifying all relevant facts as discovered during the Step One Grade Appeal Procedure and the reasoning and evidence to believe a Title 5, § 55025 violation may have occurred.
B.  Hear testimony, examine witnesses, and/or receive all evidence pertaining to the case, as determined to be necessary by the Step Two Grade Review Panel.
C.  Evaluate testimony and evidence in terms of Title 5, § 55025.
D.  Vote as to whether a Title 5, § 55025 violation has occurred.

2.  If two of the faculty on the Step Two Grade Review Panel vote that no Title 5, § 55025 violation has occurred, the instructor’s original grade stands, and the Grade Appeal is closed.

3.  If two of the faculty on the Step Two Grade Review Panel vote that a Title 5, § 55025 violation has occurred, then the Panel will review the grade that the student received.

A.  If the Step Two Grade Review Panel decides to change the grade, the new grade will be determined by the three faculty members of the Step Two Grade Review Panel.
B.  The Step Two Grade Review Panel will designate one faculty member from the Panel to sign and file the official grade change form.

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