Gwynedd Mercy University ( v 8-11-21 )
AY2021-2022 Graduate Academic Catalog
defined as a sudden , impulsive and seemingly unmotivated notion or action . The burden of proof in the process shall be upon the student complainant .
Procedure 1 . In most instances , a grade concern is handled by speaking with a faculty member . The student should initiate the complaint procedure by speaking first with the professor . 2 . If the student has tried to resolve the matter but has not been able to meet with the instructor or professor , the student should present , in writing , an appeal within fourteen ( 14 ) calendar days of the grade report being mailed / posted on the web to the instructor of the course offered . This written appeal should include the specific reasons why the grade was a product of the instructor ’ s bias or caprice , along with supporting documentation , and may be electronically sent . 3 . The instructor must submit a written decision to the student within seven ( 7 ) calendar days . 4 . If the instructor has not rendered their decision within the allotted time period , or the student is dissatisfied with the explanation that has been provided by the instructor , the student may appeal , in writing , to the Program Coordinator / Director within three ( 3 ) calendar days . The appeal must include all supporting documentation , in addition to the decision notification from the instructor . 5 . The Program Coordinator / Director must submit a written decision to the student within seven ( 7 ) calendar days after receiving the written appeal and supporting documents . 6 . In the event that the student does not feel there has been any resolution to the student ’ s perception that a grade was biased or capricious , or the instructor is also the Program Coordinator / Director , the student may appeal to the Assistant Dean . 7 . The appeal must be a formal , written request to the Assistant Dean . The appeal letter should include dates and summaries of all other meetings or attempted meetings . The summary should also include names of all parties including faculty , and the reason for the initial appeal of a grade . All supporting documentation must be included with the appeal letter , the summary of the meetings , and the chronology of dates . 8 . The Assistant Dean must submit a written decision to the student within seven ( 7 ) calendar days after receiving the written appeal and supporting documents . 9 . In the event that the student does not feel there has been any resolution to the student ’ s perception that a grade was biased or capricious , the student may appeal , in writing , to the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven ( 7 ) calendar days after receipt of the Assistant Dean ’ s decision . 10 . The written appeal must include all previous appeals and decision notifications , and any new supporting documents . 11 . The Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs may exercise the option to select a panel of three independent faculty members who will work with the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs to hear the student ’ s case and assist the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs in development of resolution . The faculty member who is accused of bias or caprice will have an opportunity to present to the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs a verbal analysis of the facts of the case accompanied by relevant documentation . The Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs will submit a decision in writing to the student within fourteen ( 14 ) calendar days . 12 . If it is found that the final grade given was neither biased nor capricious , the case shall be dismissed . If it is found that the final grade was the result of bias or caprice , the faculty member and the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs will meet and reach consensus to resolve the dispute and award an appropriate final grade . 13 . The decision rendered in the letter from the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs is final and may not be appealed .
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