Comments, Questions, Complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

Grades

• What if I am unhappy with my grade?
  • If the semester is in progress your only recourse is to talk with your instructor.
  • After the semester is over and the grade has been posted you can file an appeal.
• Under what conditions can I appeal a grade?
  • A student may request a change of grade for any of three reasons:
    • A clerical or computational error was made by the instructor in assigning the grade.
    • The instructor lost or damaged student work that had been completed and submitted as assigned.
    • The instructor evaluated the student's work on the basis of different factors than were used to evaluate the work of the other students in the course.

• What if my appeal doesn’t fall under the three categories listed above?

  • If your appeal does not fall under one of the three categories listed above then you have no grounds for an appeal.

• How much time do I have to appeal a grade?

  • The appeal must be submitted within four months of the end of the course in which the grade is being disputed.

• How much time does it take to complete the appeal process?

  • If the teacher and the Department Chair cannot resolve the issue, it is forwarded to the Dean. Once the appeal reaches the Dean and is forwarded to the School Grade Committee, a decision will be reached within 30 days.

Other Questions

• Who reads these questions, comments, and complaints?
  • The Department Chair or Assistant Chair of the department reads and responds to all student questions, comments, and complaints.
• How much time will it take to respond to my question, comment, or complaint? 
  • In most cases you will get a response in 1 - 2 days. Your problem may not be resolved immediately, but we will acknowledge your concerns.
• What if I don’t feel my comment, question, or complaint was adequately addressed?
  • You still have the right to file a formal grade appeal, or you may contact the Dean of Arts and Letters.
• Are these comments, questions, and complaints anonymous?
  • Initially, they are. But please remember that resolving complaints involves a meeting and/or dialogue between the student and the instructor.
• How do I know I won’t be punished by my teacher if I complain about him/her?
  • If you feel you are evaluated on a basis different than was used to evaluate the work of the other students in the course, then you have grounds for appeal.

Required information

(copy and paste this template into your email)

Click on the following email address, enter the required information, and click send.    english.department@csn.edu