UTMB HANDBOOK OF OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 7 Student Policies Subject 7.1 Student Services and Activities Policy 7.1.22 SON - Academic Appeal: Grading and Evaluation

12/01/95 - Originated 08/26/03 - Reviewed w/ changes - Reviewed w/o changes Student Affairs - Author

SON - Academic Appeal: Grading and Evaluation

Audience

The information in this policy is intended for all School of Nursing faculty and students.

Informal Appeal Process

A student may appeal an examination score, evaluation, or course grade using the following procedures: Within five (5) business days after receiving a score or grade which a student wishes to challenge, the student should schedule an appointment with the faculty member administering the grade, stating the reason for the appointment. In the conference with the faculty member, the student should be specific about parts of the examination, paper, etc. for which the evaluation is being appealed. In extenuating circumstances, e.g., where it would be difficult or impossible for the student or the faculty member to schedule an appointment within the designated time limit, the appointment should be scheduled as soon thereafter as possible. In no case, however, will an appeal be considered following ten (10) business days from the official date of the posting or receipt of the grade. Should the issue fail to be resolved in the meeting with the faculty member, the student may request a conference with the course coordinator. The conference with the course coordinator should be held as soon as possible after the student's request, and will be held at such a time that the faculty member who administered the grade being challenged will be available to participate as well. The course coordinator, after hearing and considering relevant information from all parties, shall render an opinion regarding the student challenge of the grade within two (2) business days of the conference with the student. In the event that the student remains dissatisfied with the outcome, the student may request that the Program Director review the appeal, including the specific grade challenge made by the

Informal Appeal Process (cont’d)

student, and relevant information from all involved faculty. The Program Director will render the final decision in the informal appeal process. The informal academic appeal procedure is designed to facilitate open communication between the students and the faculty. Hopefully, the majority of student grievances will be resolved at the informal level. Involving only essential parties assists with preservation of confidentiality.

Formal Appeal Process

Should the student remain dissatisfied with the decision of the Program Director, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic Administration. This appeal must be made within five (5) business days following the rendering of a decision by the Program Director. The written appeal must state clearly and concisely the circumstances and particulars relating to the score or grade which is being appealed. The Associate Dean for Academic Administration will gather all pertinent information related to the appeal, including written statements from the faculty member who administered the grade, the course coordinator, the Director of the Flexible Option Track, if indicated, and the Program Director. The Associate Dean will then appoint an ad hoc Appeals Committee, to consist of the Associate Dean who will serve as chair, and three members of the Undergraduate Admissions and Progression Committee. In the event that three members from the committee are unable to serve, other faculty members will be asked to serve. A meeting will then be convened to hear the evidence brought by both student and involved faculty.

Formal Appeal Process (cont’d)

The student and faculty member will be notified in writing of the implementation of the formal appeal procedure and informed of the members serving on the ad hoc Appeals Committee. At a time not to exceed thirty (30) business days from the date of the written appeal request submitted by the student to the Associate Dean, a final decision will be reached. Should the student question the composition of the Appeals Committee, she/he may request replacement of a member prior to the review of the appeal. This member will be appointed by the Associate Dean to serve only on this particular case. This option is to ensure to the greatest extent possible that no member of the Appeals Committee is biased toward either party involved in the appeal. All documentation pertaining to the appeal procedure will remain confidential. The student’s documentation will be distributed to all parties at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled hearing. The following necessary parties to the hearing shall be present: the Committee members, the appellant, and a recording secretary, who is to be selected by the Committee Chairperson. Additional witnesses may be called by the Chairperson to present evidence as needed. During the scheduled hearing, the Chairperson will maintain responsibility for ensuring that the discussion and questions remain germane to the issue. The committee members, having reviewed the pertinent documentation presented, shall have the right to question any party involved in the appeal.

Formal Appeal Process (cont’d)

Deliberation of the three voting committee members will commence at the close of the exchange of information, after all parties have been dismissed from the room. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the total membership of the committee is required to finalize its conclusion. The student will be allowed to attend classes for which he/she has prerequisites during the appeals process. The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the Appeals Panel. Should the student not be satisfied with the decision of the Appeals Panel, the appeal may be made to the Dean. The Dean may question any party involved as he or she deems necessary, including any member of the ad hoc Appeals Committee, before reaching a final decision on the matter. The Dean shall present the decision to the student within a reasonable amount of time. The student has the right to request a meeting with the Dean to discuss the appeal. The decision of the Dean shall be final.