Grade Appeals

Grade appeals can only be requested at the end of the semester after the final grade for the course has posted, and can only progress for one of the following three reasons:

• Error in calculating the final grade (arithmetic error)
• The criteria for determining the final grade were changed from what was specified in the syllabus (i.e. four quizzes given instead of five)
• The evaluation system was not consistently and fairly applied to all students

Note: Students cannot dispute how many points something was worth or that a question should not be included. Students must be able to demonstrate how the item appealed would result in a grade change.

Learn more about ASU's official grade appeal process.

The Grade Appeal Process (informal and formal)

Informal Process

If the student has determined their grade appeal meets one of the three reasons to progress and can demonstrate the appealed item would result in a grade change, the first step is to meet with the course instructor to resolve the complaint. The discussion should focus on the assignment(s) in question and how the change from the request would result in a grade change.

If the meeting with the course instructor is not resolved, the student would then meet with the department chair or chair designee to present the complaint. Again, the discussion should focus on the assignment(s) in question and show how the change would result in a grade change.

Formal Process

After meetings are held with both the course instructor and chair/chair designee and is not resolved, the student would submit a formal grade appeal case, detailing the reasons for the appeal. The student would then be asked to meet with The Office of Academic Excellence to hear the dispute.

After a review of the case, The Office of Academic Excellence will determine if the grade appeal meets one of the three reasons to progress and has demonstrated the appealed item would result in a grade change. Based on if the grade appeal criteria were met, the Office of Academic Excellence will determine if the final course grade will stand as issued or if the grade appeal will be heard by the committee.

If it is determined the dispute cannot be resolved to satisfaction, and the appeal meets the criteria for a grade appeal, a formal committee can be called to hear the complaint. Student grade appeals must be processed, by Commencement, in the regular semester immediately following the issuance of the grade in dispute (fall or spring commencements only), regardless of whether the student is enrolled at the university.