Grade Appeals

Overview

This grade appeal process applies to all students, is a review mechanism for end-of-term grades only and applies solely to instances in which a student believes a final course grade has been assigned incorrectly. In which case, the burden of proof resides with the student, who first must attempt to resolve the grade dispute with the faculty member. If that attempt does not produce a resolution, the student then may ask for a review by the Assistant or Associate Dean. If there is no resolution at that level, the student may request a review by the Dean, who renders a final decision.

Note that the grade appeal process will follow the procedures of the academic unit in which a disputed grade is assigned, and that units may prescribe additional deadlines and/or may require resolution of grade disputes as a condition of continued participation in program courses.

Deadlines

A grade appeal must be initiated within 10 business days following the date each term by which final course grades must be submitted by instructors to the IU Kokomo Office of the Registrar (counting only days university offices are open). The entire review process, from initial appeal through final resolution at either a second or third level of review, must be completed within 40 business days following the due date for submission of the disputed grade to the Registrar.

Typically, the steps in the grade appeal process are completed as expeditiously as possible for the benefit of all concerned.

Level 1: Course Instructor

Because of the seriousness of a grade dispute, there is an expectation that the student and faculty member will have met and attempted to resolve the issue as a condition of further review. To begin the process, within 10 business days following the due date for submission of the disputed grade to the Registrar, the student must request in writing an in-person or online meeting to discuss the grade with the instructor. This first level of appeal must be completed within 20 business days following the due date for submission of the disputed grade to the Registrar.

For the sake of expedience, faculty should notify both the Assistant/Associate Dean and the Dean of unresolved grade disputes that may result in a request for a second or third level of review.

Level 2: Assistant/Associate Dean

If the grade dispute has not been resolved after an initial meeting with the faculty member, the student may request a second level of review by the Assistant or Associate Dean of the School. The request must be in writing and must confirm the date, time, details and outcome of the initial meeting with the faculty member. The second level of review must be completed within 30 business days following the due date for submission of the disputed grade to the Registrar.

To request a second level of review, students should contact the Assistant or Associate Dean of the School:

Level 3: Dean

There is an expectation that most grade disputes will be resolved at the first or second level and that requests for a third level of review will be rare. Nonetheless, if a student believes a dispute has not been resolved after a second level of review with the Assistant or Associate Dean, the student may request a third level of review by the Dean. The request must be in writing and must confirm the dates, times, details and outcomes of the initial meeting with the faculty member, and the second level review with an Assistant or Associate Dean, as well as sufficient information and facts to demonstrate that a third level of review is warranted.

Decisions by the Dean are final and must be rendered within 40 business days following the due date for submission of the disputed grade to the Registrar.

To request a third level of review, students should contact the Dean of the School:

Note that students also may consult with the IU Kokomo Dean of Students for assistance with grade appeal procedures and preparation.

Office of Academic Affairs Spring 2025