Academic Complaint/Appeal of a Final Course Grade/Request for Hearing
Academic Complaint
A student with a specific complaint about a course should, where appropriate, speak directly with the faculty member concerned. If such a conversation would be inappropriate under the circumstances, the student should formally communicate with the Program Chair in whose program the course resides. This communication must occur within 60 days from the time the grade is posted in the Registrar’s Office.
If the matter is not resolved with the Program Chair, the student should submit a letter to the appropriate Academic Dean. This letter should include the specific reason(s) for setting aside the decision of the Program Chair.
Appeal of a Final Course Grade
The goal of the grade appeal policy is to establish a clear, fair process by which students can appeal a final course grade that they believe has been awarded in a manner inconsistent with university policies or that has resulted from calculation errors on the part of the instructor.
Appeals are to be based upon one or both of the following factors:
- An error was made in grade computation
- The instructor departed substantially, in determining the grade, from his or her previously articulated, written standards (i.e. course syllabus, rubrics, etc.), without notifying students.
Only the final course grade may be appealed. The grade assigned by the instructor is assumed to be correct and the student appealing the grade is to justify the need for a change of the grade assigned.
It is incumbent upon a student to initiate the process within 60 days from the time the final grade is posted in the MyWilmU Portal.
Appeals Procedure
A student with a specific complaint about a course should, when appropriate, have a discussion with the faculty member concerned. If such a conversation would be inappropriate under the circumstances, or the instructor and student cannot resolve the appeal, the student should formally communicate in writing with the program chair who oversees the course.
This communication is to include:
- A statement addressing how the appeal meets one or both of the two criteria necessary for a formal appeal.
- A description of the outcome of the informal discussion process between the student and instructor.
- Any relevant documents the student would like to be reviewed as part of the appeal process.
The Program Chair or designee may request additional materials from the student.
The Program Chair or designee is to discuss this matter with the faculty member and student and will provide the student with written notification of the outcome of this step.
If there is no mutually agreed upon resolution between the student and the Program Chair, and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, he or she is to submit a written appeal to the Academic Dean or designee.
This letter should include the student’s specific reason(s) for setting aside the decision of the Program Chair.
The Dean will respond to the student in writing regarding the results of this appeal.
Request for a Hearing/ Final Course Grade or Academic Complaint
If there is a question about the decision of the Academic Dean regarding the appeal of a final course grade or an academic complaint, a student can register a grievance in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs to determine if the matter warrants a hearing before the Academic Review Committee. This letter is to include the specific reason(s) for taking the student’s grievance beyond the Academic Dean. The Assistant Vice President or Vice President of Academic Affairs will decide whether or not a hearing is appropriate. If appropriate, the Academic Review Committee will be convened and a copy of the student’s letter will be forwarded to the Committee. Should the Assistant Vice President or Vice President determine that a hearing is not warranted, the student will be so informed within 10 business days. The decision of the Academic Review Committee, the Assistant Vice President or the Vice President will be final and written communication of the committee’s decision will be sent to the student.
Attendance
Regular and prompt class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. Wilmington University expects students to exercise good judgment regarding attendance and absences. Students accept full responsibility for ensuring that work does not suffer from absences. All students are expected to attend every scheduled meeting of each class on time. Exceptions may be made for Wilmington University-sponsored or work-related activities, illness, or valid emergencies.
Please note that some academic colleges have additional attendance requirements beyond those specified in this section. In accordance with veterans’ and financial aid regulations, attendance must be taken for all enrolled veterans in each class learning session.
Attendance/Hybrid Courses
Wilmington University stresses that regular and prompt class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. A hybrid course meets for in-class and online learning sessions. Students are expected to attend all in-class sessions and to participate in all online sessions as required by the instructor. Failure to do so may be considered an unexcused absence without prior approval by the course instructor.
Online Learning Courses
Attendance for an online learning course is defined as participating in course assignments and discussions as directed by the instructor. Failure to do so may be considered an unexcused absence without prior approval by the course instructor.
Unexcused Absence - Administratively Dropped
Students who are absent for the first two sessions of a course will be administratively dropped (removed) from the course roster. Being administratively dropped from a course may have unintended consequences on a student’s financial aid and/or standing with the University. Students should also be familiar with the “First Semester Suspension” policy found under the heading: Probation, Suspension and Academic Standing.