Student Guidelines for Submitting Grade Grievance

Golden Gate University Division of Student Affairs

Students wishing to file grade grievances must discuss their grievance with the faculty person who assigned the grade. A mutually respectful conversation in which the student and faculty member discuss the student's final grade and other pertinent information should occur. Golden Gate University is loath to intervene in disputes of grades between faculty and students. Students must make a good faith effort to contact the professor (via email, telephone, letter or person-to-person) regardless of where the professor is currently teaching. Only after all vehicles available to contact the professor have been exhausted will exceptions be considered. Students are encouraged to meet with advisors and/or regional campus staff members for assistance during this informal process.

In accordance with the Grade Grievance Procedure, a response should be issued to the student 20 working days from the day the grievance was received by the Committee. Students must include all available supporting documentation with their grievance. In cases where the student does not have access to pertinent documents (i.e., final exams, reports, etc.) the student should contact the professor or the School. Students should keep a copy of their grade grievance and all supporting documentation for their records.

Students filing Formal Grade Grievances are charged with the responsibility of submitting diligent, thorough and thoughtful documentation that includes sufficient information that the Grade Grievance Committee may render a decision. The submission of the grievance is the student's opportunity to persuade the Committee that the student deserves a grade other than that which was received. The decision rendered by the Committee is final and not subject to further appeal.