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Student Resources

Academic Appeals Policy and Procedures

The student appeals policy applies to all students enrolled in an IPFW College of Health and Human Services program or taking a course offered by the College.  Students who have evidence or believe evidence exists that a course grade or similar evaluation, or student progression decision was made as a result of prejudice, caprice, or other improper conditions, such as mechanical error may appeal that action. Complaints of discrimination or harassment do not follow under this policy and should be taken to the University Affirmative Action Officer. Students may seek advice by meeting with the Univeristy Dean of Students or the College of Health and Human Services Director of Student Success.

In appealing, the student must support in writing, the allegation that an improper decision has been made and must specify the remedy sought.  The student may seek the assistance of the IPFW Dean of Students in pursuing the appeal. The student may have an advisor or friend present during all meetings with faculty members, administrators, and/or committees. The advisor or friend may advise the student but may not speak for the student during meetings.

In the case of a grade appeal, a course grade can only be changed by a university authority upon the recommendation of the IPFW Grade Appeals Subcommittee or by the instructor any time prior to the Grade Appeals Subcommittee’s decision.

Members of the Student Appeals Committee

The College of Health and Human Services Student Appeals Committee is comprised of one faculty member from each department of the College. In an appeal case, the appeals committee member representing the student’s program or department shall be excluded from all hearings and proceedings.

Student Appeal Deadlines

An appeal must be initiated no later than the fourth week of the fall or spring semester immediately following the session in which the grade was assigned or the action being appealed occurred.  Following initiation of an appeal, decisions at each step listed below must be reported within two calendar weeks, provided this deadline falls within the regular student year (fall or spring semester).  If the deadline falls during the summer, the decision must be reported within 30 calendar days of the start of the fall semester. Each successive step in the appeals procedure must be initiated within three calendar weeks of the completion of the prior step.  Time lines may be extended at the agreement of all parties and by the Dean of the College if circumstances require an extension.

Student Appeal Process

An attempt should be made by the student to reconcile the concern or conflict with the faculty member before filing a formal written grievance. The student should schedule an appointment with the course instructor to discuss the grade or action and try to resolve the issue. If meeting with the faculty member does not reslove the issue, the student may seek informal mediation from the Program Director/Department Chair. If this mediation does not resolve the issue to the student's satisfaction, the student may begin the formal Student Appeal Process. Copies of College and University Student Appeals Policies and the College Appeals Checklist may be obtained by the student from faculty members, the College Dean's office, and the College website. See www.ipfw.edu/hhs/resources.appeals.shtml and www.ipfw.edu/hhs/resources/checklist.shtml.

Steps in the Process of a Formal Student Appeal

  1. Department Chair:  To begin the formal appeals process the student must submit, in writing, to the Department Chair the allegation that an improper decision or action was made and specify the remedy sought.  A meeting with the student will be held to discuss the appeal. After meeting with the student, the Department Chair will send the decision concerning the appeal in writing to the student. If the appeal is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, the student may proceed to Step 2.
  2. College:   If the grievance has not been resolved satisfactorily at Step 1, the student shall submit in writing the appeal to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services.  The Dean will notify the Chair of the College Student Appeals Committee regarding the appeal and forward the written appeal. The Committee Chair will request the student and the instructor to submit detailed, written documentation substantiating evidence regarding the grade or action in question.  After reading the documentation submitted by both parties, the College Committee will meet separately with the student and the course instructor to clarify questions regarding the case.  Each party may bring an advisor or friend to the meeting with the committee.  The advisor or friend may advise the student or course instructor, but may not speak for the student or course instructor during meetings.  The College Committee will deliberate and the Committee Chair will notify the student and the instructor of the committee’s recommendation in writing.  Copies of the recommendation should be submitted to the Department Chair, the College Dean, members of the Student Appeals Committee, and the IPFW Dean of Students.
  3. Campus:  If the grievance has not been resolved at Step 2, the student may schedule an appointment with the IPFW Dean of Students, who will direct the student procedurally in submitting the case to the appropriate University appeals body.

 

Reference:  the IPFW Bulletin, “Academic Regulations”   March 2008