Academic Grievance Procedures
Although the University will review a final grade under
certain circumstances described below, the University will not review
individual assignment grades except for good reason determined in the
University’s sole discretion.
A final grade can only be changed by persons other than the
instructor of the course if there is (1) a mathematical error in calculating
the grade or (2) if a grade was awarded in an arbitrary and capricious
fashion. The University defines “Arbitrary
and capricious” grading as:
-
The grading procedures used to award the grade were not those outlined in the course syllabus.
-
The grade was awarded on a basis other than
academic merit, including but not limited to favoritism, discrimination or
harassment of any type, or romantic or sexual relationships between students
and faculty.
Students
who wish to appeal the calculation of a FINAL
grade must first attempt to resolve the issue with their instructor. The student shall provide a written
explanation of their concerns to their instructor within ten (10) business days
after the end of the course or after the grade was awarded, whichever is later. The Office of Student Affairs (studentaffairs@strayer.edu) shall
be copied on all communications between an instructor and the student when a
formal grade dispute is submitted. The student’s communication must include all
relevant information in regards to their dispute including any written
statements from third parties. Except
for good reason determined in the University’s sole discretion, the University
will not consider a grade appeal submitted outside of this timeframe.
If
the issue is not resolved between the Instructor and the student within ten (10)
business days then the student may formally appeal the final grade to the Office of
Student Affairs (studentaffairs@strayer.edu).
The student must present the appeal in writing with supporting
documentation including any response(s) received from the instructor to the Office of Student Affairs within ten (10) business days of receiving a response (or non-response) from the instructor.
The Office of Student Affairs shall provide a written
response to the student within ten (10) business days after receipt of the
student’s grievance to address the substance of the student’s concerns. The
decision of the Office of Student Affairs is the University’s final response.