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
A student who seeks to appeal a final grade in a course should first speak with the faculty member concerned. If the student wishes to proceed further with the appeal, 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 course 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.
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 should include the specific reason(s) for taking the student’s grievance beyond the Academic Dean. If the Assistant Vice President determines that a hearing is 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 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.
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 “logging onto the course” and 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.