Grade Grievance Process

• If the student received an incomplete or a grade posted after the next term began, they should submit the inquiry within 15 university business days of the official grade posting. 
• If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s response, they may move to Step 2.

Students may go directly to Step 2 if:

• The instructor does not respond within 10 university business days,
• The instructor is on approved leave, or 
• The instructor has left the university.

Step 2: Submit a formal grade grievance

What to do

Submit a written statement to the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies (ACUS) or Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS). Use the LSA Grade Grievance Department Contact List to find the contact person for the department that offered the course.

The written statement must include: 

• The basis for the claim of arbitrary grading, including specific evidence (e.g. course syllabus, graded work) 
• A summary of the student’s communication with the course instructor, including what remains in dispute
• The student’s desired outcome

Deadline

Submit the grievance within 30 university business days of the official grade posting.

If a student received an incomplete or a grade posted after the next term began, the written statement should be submitted within 30 university business days of the official grade posting. 

Here is an approximate timeline of what happens once the written statement is submitted:

• Within 5 days of receiving the written statement, the ACUS / DUS: 
  • Notifies the LSA Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education and Student Academic Affairs 
  • Asks the instructor to provide a written summary explaining how the final grade was determined and responding to the claims made by the student
• After receiving the instructor's response, the ACUS / DUS:
  • Determines if the evidence is sufficient to convene the Department’s Grade Grievance Committee. 
  • If the evidence is considered insufficient, the grievance is closed, and the original grade stands. This result would be communicated in writing to the student within 15 university business days from receipt of the complaint. A copy of the response would also be sent to the office of the LSA Office of Student Academic Affairs.
  • If the evidence is considered sufficient, it proceeds to step 3 and they schedule a grade grievance hearing within 60 days of receiving the complaint.

Step 3: Formal Grade Grievance Hearing

If a grade grievance proceeds to step 3, the ACUS/DUS selects a Departmental Grade Grievance Committee, and sets a date for a formal hearing within 60 days of receiving the original written complaint. 

Note: If an instructor isn't under contract, the ACUS/DUS can request a 45-day extension for scheduling the hearing.

Before the hearing 

All parties (student, instructor, and committee) will be given copies of the student's complaint and the instructor’s summary. 

During the hearing

• the student will present the basis of their complaint
• the instructor will present their explanation for how grades were determined
• there will be an open period of questions to all parties
• the hearing will be adjourned 

After the hearing

The committee has 10 university business days to give its recommendation and submit a written report to the ACUS/DUS.  

• If the committee decides a grade change is not warranted, the ACUS/DUS will convey this in writing to the student and the instructor. The original grade will stand and the grievance is considered closed.   
• If the committee recommends a grade change, the ACUS/DUS will communicate that decision directly to the instructor. The instructor will then be asked to respond in writing within 5 university business days to the ACUS/DUS indicating whether or not they will abide by the Grade Grievance Committee’s recommendation. 
  • If the instructor agrees to a grade change, the ACUS/DUS will inform the student of the instructor’s decision in writing, and the student’s final course grade will be changed. The matter is considered closed. 
  • If the instructor does not accept the recommendation to change the final grade, the original grade will stand. A final course grade rests solely with the instructor, and cannot be changed without the instructor’s consent. The ACUS/DUS will convey in writing this decision to the student. The matter is considered closed; there is no appeal beyond the Department.
• The ACUS/DUS will send a report stating what procedures were followed and what decision was reached to the office of the LSA Office of Student Academic Affairs within 5 university business days after the conclusion of the review process. 

Missed deadlines

If students miss any deadlines, the grievance may be considered closed. Students who are facing extenuating circumstances (such as hospitalization, extended leave for health reasons) may request an extension of time by contacting the LSA Office of Student Academic Affairs (lsa.saa.office@umich.edu), who will then approve or deny the request.

For harassment or discrimination concerns

• If a concern involves harassment or discrimination: 
• The grade grievance process does not evaluate discrimination or harassment claims.
• Please contact the  Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX Office (ECRT).

The Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies (ACUS) or Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) may pause the grade grievance process until the ECRT matter is resolved.

For academic misconduct concerns

If a grade grievance is connected to an allegation of academic misconduct, the department will pause the grievance process if the student:

• Did not admit responsibility, and
• Did not complete the Student Academic Affairs resolution process.

Who to contact

• LSA Student Academic Affairs

Related policies

• Academic Integrity
• Grades and Grading