Grade Appeals Process

Evaluation of student performance in a particular class is the sole responsibility of the assigned instructor. Resolution of a grade dispute may or may not result in a grade change. Any grade change must be initiated and authorized by the instructor of record.

  1. A student who thinks there has been an error that resulted in an incorrect final course grade should first make a determined effort to fully discuss the grade concerns with the course instructor.
  2. If the issue remains unresolved after discussion with the instructor, the student must first meet with an advisor in his or her degree program to further address and clarify the issue and the details of a possible formal grade appeal.
  3. Formal grade appeal procedures may be initiated only after the conclusion of a course and following formal receipt of the final course grade. Students potentially graduating the semester during which the course is taken may initiate action following informal receipt of the final grade.
  4. If, after discussion with the instructor and advisor, the issue remains unresolved, the student may present his or her concerns to the instructor’s academic unit head (i.e., department chair, Director of the Fisher School, or Director of the Management Communication Center) in writing, including appropriate documentation, by the end of the second week of class in the semester (or module) following the course in question.
  5. The academic unit head or designee will review the matter and may request a meeting with the student and the instructor. The academic unit head or designee will provide a written report to the student and the instructor within ten working days following receipt of the student’s written appeal. The academic unit head or designee’s report will be limited to a judgment as to whether fairness and due process was observed with respect to the subject of the dispute.
  6. If the student remains unsatisfied with the report and its outcome, he or she may request review by a two-member faculty committee from the academic unit, consisting of one member appointed by the academic unit head and one member selected by the student. If the faculty member selected by the student declines to participate in the process, the student will need to make another choice. The review committee will review the situation with the student and with the instructor. A meeting of the committee with the student and instructor may be arranged if such a meeting is likely to be beneficial.
  7. The review committee will render no decision as to the grade for the course or any component of that grade. The review committee’s sole function is to render judgment as to whether the student has had a fair hearing and whether due process was observed with respect to the subject of the dispute.
  8. Within ten working days of the establishment of the review committee, the committee shall make a written report available to both the student and the instructor, with a copy to the academic unit head.
  9. The instructor retains the final responsibility for grade assignment. Following the conclusion of the grade appeal process, the student may seek advice and assistance from the program office of the student’s major and/or from the University Office of the Ombuds.

University of Florida
Warrington College of Business
Revised 02/2024