Disputes Concerning Academic Grades

The Newmark J-School faculty is responsible for determining the requirements and standards of performance for courses. A course instructor retains considerable discretion in these matters. The instructor is under obligation, however, to ensure that the course syllabus is consonant with the goals of the curriculum of the degree program. The expected level of performance in a given course shall reflect levels of difficulty relevant to the educational objective of the program. In addition, the instructor has an obligation to students to make clear the basis of evaluation (e.g., reading assignments, paper, contributions to seminar discussions, experimental work) at the start of each course so that students are not surprised by unexpected or untimely demands. Grades on examinations or for work in a course are the responsibility of the instructor.

In the case of disputes over a graded assignment and final course grades, the student should discuss the matter with the instructor. The student may be accompanied by a student or other member of the Newmark J-School community in discussion with the instructor or advisor. Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to review their examinations. If the matter is not resolved, the student may register a formal complaint with the Office of Student Affairs. A representative from that office shall consult with the instructor and/or the student’s advisor and attempt to resolve the matter. If the matter is not informally resolved through this means, the student may appeal the grade in writing to the Academic Appeals Committee via the Associate Dean. This appeal must be made within three weeks of final grade filing and be to resolve a dispute regarding grades posted to a student’s formal transcript. The appeal should state the basis for the student’s belief that the grade was given without reasonable or adequate basis. That committee will hear the appeal, including reviewing evidence and statements to the committee from the student and the faculty member involved and may make such further investigation as it deems appropriate. The Academic Appeals Committee shall make a recommendation to the Dean, whose decision will be final. The process will be completed no more than three weeks after the appeal has been submitted.

There may at times be problems affecting students’ academic success, progress toward the degree, or relationships within the program. As such situations arise, students are advised to attempt to address the issues informally with the individual faculty member and/or the Director of Student Affairs. If these avenues do not appear to offer satisfactory solutions, the Associate Dean may be consulted.

The appeals policies and procedures described within this handbook distinguish between disputes concerning grades and disputes concerning termination of matriculation.

While an appeal is in process, the student appealing may register and, if registered, is classified as making satisfactory progress (for that semester) and, if otherwise entitled, is eligible to receive federal student loans. Consideration will be given to allowing a student to withdraw from the program effective the semester in which his or her appeal is turned down and providing the student with a refund for that semester’s tuition. This consideration, however, is not an option if the student has taken a federal loan for that semester unless the loan is repaid prior to the withdrawal.