Carnegie Mellon University

The Word

Student Handbook

Procedure for the Appeal of Grades and Academic Actions for Undergraduate Students

In the event a student believes an assigned grade or an imposed academic action is incorrect or not appropriate, the student may follow the processes outlined below to seek prompt and equitable resolution of the matter.

If a student believes a grade has been incorrectly assigned, the student should:

  1. Present the case to the faculty member responsible for the course, providing all supporting data concerning the nature of the discrepancy. This action should be taken as soon as possible but no later than one year after the final course grade was issued.
  2. If, after a decision is rendered, the student believes that his or her concerns have not been adequately resolved, the student may pursue a formal appeal with the department responsible for the course. To appeal to the department, a student must present a written statement detailing the grounds for the appeal with appropriate documentation to the department head of the department responsible for the course. This appeal must be within seven (7) days of the faculty member's decision.  The department head will provide a written decision, including the basis for it, within thirty (30) days, or as soon thereafter as practical.
  3. If the student is not satisfied with the department head's resolution, the student may pursue the appeal at the college level. To appeal at the college level, the student must present copies of all documents originally sent to the faculty member and department head, along with a formal letter of appeal, to the dean of the college responsible for the course. This appeal must be submitted within seven (7) days of the department head's decision. The dean, or the dean's designate, will review the appeal and will render a written decision, including the basis for it, within thirty (30) days, or as soon thereafter as practical.

If a student believes an academic action is inconsistent with the policies of the college, a student should:

  1. Submit a formal written appeal to the associate dean of the college responsible for the decision, with a copy to the dean, requesting review of the action including all relevant materials to substantiate the inconsistency in policy and to support their concerns.
  2. The dean of the college, or the dean's designate, will review the appeal and issue a decision and the basis for it within 30 days.

If, after carrying out the steps of either process described above, the student believes that the matter has not been adequately resolved, or if no decision has been rendered by the appropriate date, the student may appeal at the university level. To appeal at the university level, the student must present copies of all documents and a formal letter of appeal to the provost. The provost or another designated university officer will respond in writing with a final resolution, including the basis for it, within thirty (30) days, or as soon thereafter as practical.

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