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B. The purpose of the Final Grade Appeal is to provide students with a procedure to
grieve a course grade. Students who believe that their final grade does not reflect an
accurate academic evaluation of their work may initiate a grade change appeal in
accordance with provisions of this document. All academic rights and privileges of
faculty are to be honored in this process.
C.
A faculty member’s judgement of the academic performance of the student
cannot be appealed.
D. An appeal can be made based upon factors other than the academic judgment of the
instructor such as, but not limited to, the following:
The instructor made an error or did not calculate the grade as stated in the course
outline;
Significant deviation from grading procedures stated on the course outline; or
The student, though no fault of his or her own, may not have been accorded the
same opportunity to complete the requirements for the course, such as time, access
to materials or access to the instructor as other students in the course.
If you have any questions in regard to how to complete this form or acquire
assistance, please contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs office at 724-287-
8711, Ext. 8262
E.
If the student complaint is academic in nature, but not grade related
: for example,
complaints about instructors, staff, courses or requirements the following steps must
be taken:
1.
Formal Process Step One:
Student complaints not resolved between the student
and faculty/staff/administrator or other people concerned must be submitted in
writing to the appropriate Dean using the
Butler County Community College
Student Grievance Form
. The Dean may consult with the faculty member or other
people concerned before giving the student a written judgment on the appeal or may
advise the student on alternate strategies in resolving the situation.
2.
Formal Process Step Two:
Complaints not resolved between the Dean and the
student must be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
(VPAA). The VPAA will conduct an appropriate investigation that may include
meeting with the student, faculty member, other people concerned and Dean. The
VPAA will respond in writing, preferably within seven (7) days. The written
response will become part of the student’s record.
3.
Formal Process Step Three:
The decision of the VPAA shall be final unless,
within five (5) college days after receipt of the decision, the student files a letter
with the President.
4.
Formal Process Step Four:
The President will review the matter to ensure the
process and documentation was followed and render a decision.
5.
Student Grievances should be initiated in a timely manner during the semester
the grievance occurred, but no later than 10 days after the beginning of the
next semester.
F. Students who reside outside of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and are enrolled in
online courses through Butler County Community College should attempt to resolve
any academic issues or complaints through the College’s standard procedure for filing
academic grievances. If the issue is not or cannot be resolved after all internal
procedures have been exhausted, the student may file a complaint with the appropriate
state agency or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (the College’s
primary accrediting agency). This is in compliance with the Federal Department of
Education’s State Authorization Regulations.
