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Grade Appeal & Escalation (How to Advocate for Yourself)

You have the right to fair and accurate grading. If you believe a grade is incorrect, you can appeal it. Processes vary by institution, but this guide provides a general framework for advocating for yourself professionally and effectively.

⏱ī¸Time: 2-4 weeks (varies by institution)
AcademicRightsAdvocacy

✓What to Do Now

1

Review the graded work carefully

Read feedback, check against rubric, identify specific discrepancies or concerns.

2

Gather documentation

Collect the assignment instructions, rubric, your submission, graded feedback, course syllabus, and any relevant course policies.

3

Contact your instructor

Request a meeting or send a professional email asking for clarification on the grade. Be specific about what you'd like reviewed.

4

Document the conversation

Take notes during discussions, save all email correspondence, and keep records of timelines and responses.

5

If unresolved, escalate

Follow your institution's appeal ladder: Course Lead/Chair → Program Director/Dean → Formal Appeal Committee → Ombudsperson (if available).

6

File formal appeal if needed

Submit a formal appeal following your school's procedures and deadlines. Include all documentation and a clear summary of your concerns.

📞Who to Contact

Your Instructor

📋 Contact: Check course syllabus or school directory
When: First step: to discuss the grade and seek clarification

Course Lead / Program Chair

📋 Contact: Find through your school's website or department directory
When: If the issue isn't resolved with your instructor

Program Director / Dean

📋 Contact: Find through your school's website or academic affairs office
When: If escalation to Course Lead/Chair doesn't resolve the issue

Academic Appeals Committee / Registrar

📋 Contact: Check your school's academic calendar or student handbook for procedures
When: To file a formal appeal (usually has strict deadlines)

Ombudsperson / Student Advocacy Office

📋 Contact: Check if your school has one (see 'Supports at Your School' page)
When: For neutral guidance and help navigating the appeal process (if available)

🚩Red Flags

  • ⚠ī¸Instructor refuses to meet or discuss the grade
  • ⚠ī¸Grade calculation errors (math doesn't add up)
  • ⚠ī¸Grading inconsistent with rubric or course policies
  • ⚠ī¸Bias or discrimination in grading
  • ⚠ī¸Instructor changed grading criteria after assignment was due
  • ⚠ī¸Appeal process delays or lack of response from administration
  • ⚠ī¸Threats or retaliation for filing an appeal

📝Templates

Click "Copy" to copy any template to your clipboard, then paste and customize it.

Initial Email to Instructor

Subject: Question About [Assignment Name] Grade Dear Professor [NAME], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request clarification regarding my grade on [ASSIGNMENT NAME] (submitted [DATE], graded [DATE]). I received a grade of [GRADE] and would like to better understand how this was calculated, as I had [SPECIFIC CONCERN, e.g., 'followed the rubric closely' or 'met all stated requirements']. I have reviewed the feedback provided and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss: - [Specific point 1] - [Specific point 2] - [Specific point 3] Would you be available for a brief meeting this week, or could you provide additional clarification via email? I have attached the assignment instructions and rubric for your reference. Thank you for your time. Best regards, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] [COURSE CODE]

Appeal Summary Document

Grade Appeal Summary Course: [COURSE CODE AND NAME] Instructor: [INSTRUCTOR NAME] Assignment: [ASSIGNMENT NAME] Date Submitted: [DATE] Grade Received: [GRADE] Grade Expected: [GRADE - if applicable] Concerns: 1. [Specific concern with evidence] 2. [Specific concern with evidence] 3. [Specific concern with evidence] Documentation Provided: - Assignment instructions - Rubric/grading criteria - My submission - Graded feedback - Course syllabus - Previous communications Timeline: - [DATE]: Submitted assignment - [DATE]: Received grade - [DATE]: Contacted instructor - [DATE]: Instructor response (if any) - [DATE]: Escalated to [NEXT LEVEL] Desired Outcome: [What you're seeking - e.g., 'Grade re-evaluation' or 'Clarification on calculation']

Formal Appeal Letter

Subject: Formal Grade Appeal - [COURSE CODE] To: [Appeals Committee/Registrar/Appropriate Office] I am writing to formally appeal the grade I received for [ASSIGNMENT NAME] in [COURSE CODE], taught by [INSTRUCTOR NAME] during [SEMESTER/YEAR]. Student Information: - Name: [YOUR NAME] - Student ID: [ID] - Program: [PROGRAM] Grade Information: - Assignment: [NAME] - Date Submitted: [DATE] - Grade Received: [GRADE] - Grade Expected: [GRADE - optional] Summary of Concerns: [Clear, concise summary of why you believe the grade is incorrect, referencing specific evidence] Attempts to Resolve: 1. [DATE]: Contacted instructor - [Outcome] 2. [DATE]: Escalated to [LEVEL] - [Outcome] 3. [Additional attempts] Supporting Documentation: - Assignment instructions and rubric - My submission - Graded feedback - Course syllabus and policies - All correspondence I believe this grade does not accurately reflect my work based on [SPECIFIC REASONS]. I am requesting a review of this grade in accordance with [INSTITUTION]'s academic appeal procedures. I have attached all relevant documentation. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] [CONTACT INFORMATION]