Page 77 - Smith College Student Handbook 16-17

Academic Life
Student Academic Grievance Procedure
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Grievances - Procedures for Disputing a Course Grade
Instructors are responsible for clearly articulating the criteria for determining students’ grades in the course syllabus and issuing grades
according to that rubric. Grades are considered final once they are submitted to the Office of the Registrar, although an instructor may
request a change in a grade if a computational or clerical error has been made. The following procedure exists for the rare instance in which a
student believes she has a legitimate grievance that her coursework has been evaluated in an unfair or capricious manner. In that case, no later
than the end of the second full week of the following semester, the student should submit to the instructor a written request for an
explanation of the grade..
Normally, within two weeks of receiving such a request, the instructor should meet with the student to discuss the grade. If both parties deem
a grade change is in order then the instructor will request it from the Administrative Board. If the instructor does not agree, however, and the
student is not satisfied with the instructor’s explanation of the grade then the next step for the student is to take her original request and
additional supporting materials to the appropriate department chair or program director. Supporting material should include a copy of the
course syllabus and the student’s evidence for unfair or capricious grading. Specifically the student needs to demonstrate that one or more of
the following conditions pertained.

 The instructor used inappropriate criteria in determining a final grade.
 The instructor assigned a grade on some basis other than performance in the course.
 The instructor did not adhere to the procedures or grading rubrics stated in the course syllabus.

After consulting with the instructor and the student and reviewing the written evidence, if the appropriate department chair or program
director finds legitimate cause for the complaint then s/he will try to work with both the student and the instructor toward finding an
equitable solution. However, if the appropriate chair or program director concludes that there is no cause for the complaint, if there is
disagreement between the chair/director and the instructor, or if the instructor is also the chair or program director, then the student can
appeal the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. At that point the instructor’s explanation for the grade should also be in the form of a
written statement. Reviewing all written materials and working with all parties involved the Associate Dean will make the final determination
on the grade dispute.

The procedures outlined above apply to most forms of academic grievance. However, students advancing claims of discrimination under Title
VI, VII, or IX should consult the Office on Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity and follow the corresponding process.

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