Before invoking the Student Grievance Procedure (Grade Appeal), those directly involved should make a reasonable effort to resolve the grade dispute. Grade disputes are best handled and resolved by individuals closest to the issue, as they possess the optimal understanding and ability to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution. The grade appeal procedure should only be initiated if these initial efforts prove unsuccessful.
Students are required to attempt informal resolution with the faculty and schedule an appointment with the Student Grade Appeal Officer within 30 calendar days of the posting of final grades. The Grade Appeal Officer is the Academic Dean of the course in which the student was enrolled.
For the purpose of Grade Appeals, substantial evidence of error or injustice is defined as:
The student initiates the Grade Appeal by contacting the faculty member who assigned the course grade to attempt resolution. A written request using the MassBay email address is mandatory, with a copy sent to the Grade Appeal Officer. This communication must take place within 30 calendar days from the posting of the final grade for the course. The request should include a statement detailing all known facts and evidence of the error or injustice, along with the specific resolution sought.
The faculty member is allotted 10 calendar days to respond to the student's complaint. If the matter is resolved at this stage, the process concludes. If unresolved, the student may proceed to request a Level Two — Formal Appeal.
This revision maintains clarity and ensures each step of the process is well-defined.
If a complaint remains unresolved informally, the student may, within 10 calendar days, file a formal written grievance using the Grade Appeal Form. This must be submitted via email, mail, or in person to the Grade Appeal Officer (the Division Academic Dean), accompanied by all supporting documentation and evidence.
Upon receiving the grade appeal, the Grade Appeal Officer will deliver it, along with all supporting documentation, to the faculty member within 5 calendar days and request a response within 10 days.
The faculty member must provide a written response to the Grade Appeal Officer within 10 calendar days of receiving the grade appeal.
The Grade Appeal Officer will deliver the faculty member's response to the student within 5 calendar days of receipt. If the matter is resolved at this stage, the process concludes. If unresolved, the student may appeal to Level Two — Step Two (Final Review).
If the matter remains unresolved, within 10 calendar days of receiving the response at Level Two – Step One, the student may request that the Grade Appeal Officer forward the Grade Appeal to Level Two — Step Two (final review).
All supporting documentation will be forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Provost for consideration by the Grade Appeals Sub-Committee. This committee convenes specifically to review grade appeals at the final step. They will examine the appeal and all supporting documentation and deliver a written decision to the Grade Appeal Officer within 10 calendar days.
The Grade Appeal Officer will then notify the student and the faculty member of the committee's decision within 5 calendar days of receiving it. This decision is final.