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Steps to Dispute a Final Course Grade

Criteria for an appeal

  1. An error in the calculation of the grade, or ineffective provision of approved ADA accommodations resulting in the student being prevented from attaining the learning outcome to the level such accommodation might allow.
  2. The assignment of a grade was a substantial departure from the faculty member’s previously printed standards in the course syllabus.

Students may appeal a final grade that they receive in a course, but interim grades or grades on specific assignments are not appealable, unless any such appeal is based on an allegation that the faculty member has violated his/her stated grading policy or that the grade was a result of discrimination or retaliation or for allegation that the professor did not provide the student with approved ADA accommodations as documented by CSA.

  • The student may request a review of their final course grade directly with the CSA Office by submitting a Student Problem Resolution Form Student Problem Resolution Form and choosing Accommodations/ADA/Section 504 Complaint as the Nature of the Report.
  • If the dean/associate dean receives such a request for a grade review they will refer the student to CSA and contact the CSA Office concerning the student’s request for grade review.
  • The dean/associate dean will extend the timeframe to resolve the “Final Course Grade Appeal” pending the findings and resolution from the CSA Office concerning the alleged denial of ADA accommodation(s).

The following process will be initiated by the CSA Office:

Step 1: CSA Manager

The student holds primary responsibility to notify the campus Center for Student Accessibility (CSA).

  1. Upon receipt of the student request for grade review the CSA manager will meet with the student to discuss the student’s concerns, including any relevant details necessary to conduct a review (except for days that the College is closed).
  2. The student will be given a timeframe for a response and to provide any requested information.
  3. The faculty member will provide relevant documentation to the CSA manager within five (5) business days.
  4. Upon completion of the review, the student will receive a detailed explanation of the findings and resolution; CSA will notify Academic Affairs of the findings (See CSA’s Notification to Academic Affairs)
  5. Request is resolved.

However, if the student is not satisfied with the resolution of the CSA Manager, the student has five (5) business days to escalate their concern by submitting the Center for Student Accessibility Appeal Form to the Student Development Director.

Step 2: The Student Development Director

  1. Student Development Director will review the documentation related to the resolution of the student’s appeal.
  2. The student and the Student Development Director will meet to discuss the matter.
  3. The student will be given a timeframe to receive a response.
  4. A written response of the resolution will be provided to the student once the matter is resolved.
  5. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, they may contact the Dean of Student Development.

Step 3: The Equity Officer/504 Coordinator

  1. If the student is not satisfied with the Dean of Student Development they may contact the Equity Officer/504 Coordinator, Juanita Hook, at 561-868-3111 or hookj@palmbeachstate.edu.
  2. A student at any time may bypass previous steps to escalate complaint directly to any of the following:
    • Executive Director, Human Resources
    • Director, Human Resources & Equity Officer/504 Coordinator

CSA Office Notification to Academic Affairs

  1. CSA Office after investigating the student’s complaint will notify Academic Affairs of the findings:
    • If the CSA Office’s investigation finds that the Professor did provide the approved ADA accommodations, then the dean/associate dean will proceed in adjudicating the student complaint using the “Final Course Grade Appeal” process.
  2. If the CSA Office review finds that the Professor did not provide the approved accommodations the dean/associate dean will work with the student, the professor, and the CSA Manager/Director to reach a resolution as allowed by PBSC’s policies and procedures.