Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2020-2021 / Undergraduate Academic Catalog
thing , person , or group compared with another , usually in a way considered to be unfair . Caprice is 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 Dean .
7 . The appeal must be a formal , written request to the 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 Dean or Dean ’ s designee 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 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
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