Grade Appeal Process
The Grade Appeal Process exists to provide students the opportunity to appeal their final grade.
When a student believes that their final grade in a course is inaccurate or unjustified, they must use the following procedures to appeal the grade. To begin the process, please submit a Grade Appeal Request. The student must detail the basis for the allegation that a grade was improper and must present the relevant evidence. Documentation (e.g., graded tests, assignments, etc.) must be provided as evidence to support the claim. “I think I deserve a better grade” does not provide a basis for filing a grade appeal.
It is the student's responsibility to have an ongoing discussion with the instructor about the status of their grade. Sanctions for Academic Ethics violations that result in a failing course grade can only be appealed through the Academic Ethics Violations appeal process, not this grade appeal process.
Students who wish to appeal a grade given on a specific test, essay, homework, performance, computer program project, etc., may do so by discussing the matter with the instructor who issued the grade. The grades assigned to students are the decision of the faculty and, except as outlined in the appeal process below, are final.
Students at WCTC are responsible for knowing the information, policies, and procedures outlined in the Grade Appeal Process.
Grade Appeal Steps
Step 1
Within seven calendar days from posting the final grade, the student must submit a Grade Appeal Request, requesting to schedule a meeting with their instructor. Students will be notified by faculty of their decision through their WCTC email account. If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the appeal and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, the student shall contact the Associate Dean within seven calendar days of the written decision of the faculty member. If the request is not filed within the prescribed time, the student forfeits the right to any further appeal.
If the student is unable to contact the faculty member or Associate Dean, the student may seek assistance through the Student Life Office by contacting studentlife@wctc.edu or 262.691.5295.
Step 2
The Associate Dean or designee will schedule a meeting to be held within seven calendar days after receiving the request from the student. The student, instructor, or Associate Dean, may request that the time be extended as a result of extenuating circumstances (e.g., summer schedules and availability). The student will meet with a three-person panel including the Associate Dean overseeing the class, an Associate Dean or instructor not associated with the program, as well as a third WCTC employee. The student will be given the opportunity to state concerns and information related to the final course grade and to state what resolution they are looking for. In matters such as this, the panel shall, by majority vote, make a recommendation to the Dean. The Dean will communicate his or her decision via WCTC email account within 10 calendar days of the recommendation. The decision of the Dean is final.
The Dean may also meet individually with the student, faculty member and/or the Associate Dean or may choose to meet with all involved parties in an attempt to resolve the grade. The student has the right to be accompanied by another adult of their choosing. The student is responsible for presenting their own information at the meeting/s, and therefore, guests are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing.