An academic appeal means a formal request by a student to change a grade or to challenge a penalty imposed for violation of standards of academic integrity such as plagiarism or cheating. A request to change a grade must be made within twelve months of award. A grade may only be changed by an instructor or by the Academic Appeals Committee.

An academic appeal must meet one of the following conditions: (1) error in calculation of grade; (2) deviation from the syllabus or district policy manual; (3) academic disparate treatment of student that is not addressed by EEO processes; or (4) inappropriate penalties imposed for an academic integrity violation. An appeal will not be considered because of general dissatisfaction with a grade, penalty, or outcome of a course. Disagreement with the instructor's professional judgment of the quality of the student's work and performance is also not an admissible basis for an academic appeal.

Procedure

Before a student may bring an academic appeal, he or she should first meet with the instructor to request that a change be made. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome or cannot make contact with the instructor, he or she may meet with the appropriate Associate Dean to determine if resolution can be reached.

If resolution is not reached, the student will state specifically the basis of the appeal in writing to the Chief Academic Officer. If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the appeal does not meet the requirements of this policy, he/she shall communicate this in writing to the student. If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the appeal is appropriate under this policy, he/she will convene the Academic Appeals Committee to consider the complaint. The Chief Academic Officer will notify the student regarding the Academic Appeals Committee meeting date, his/her rights, and next steps in the process.

Academic Appeals Committee

An Academic Appeals Standing Committee will be appointed at each college for one year by the Chief Academic Officer and shall consist of:

1. Four full-time faculty members who will be appointed by the Chief Academic Officer. One of the four faculty members will be appointed by the Chief Academic Officer as Chairperson of the committee.
   
2. Two students who will be nominated by the Chief Student Affairs Officer.
   
3. Members will be replaced by the Chief Academic Officer if conflict of interest is apparent in regard to the circumstances of an appeal.

Hearing Procedure

The Committee will be convened by the Chairperson in a timely manner, and will conduct its activities in private. The student and the faculty member will be permitted to present witnesses and evidence relevant to the appeal.

The Committee will not be bound by rules of evidence, and will conduct its hearing in an informal manner. The student or faculty member may have a representative during the hearing. A two-thirds majority vote shall be required to overrule the grade, penalty or academic action at issue.

The Committee will inform the Chief Academic Officer of its decision. The Chief Academic Officer will notify the student and faculty member in writing of the Committee's decision.

Appeal

The decision of the Academic Appeals Committee is final.