SBS Undergraduate Affairs and Grade Appeals Committee process
As soon as you identify a problem with the grade you were awarded IMMEDIATELY speak with the instructor of the course. This should be completed within two weeks of the start of the semester following the semester in the regular academic year in which the disputed final grade was received. Most appeals are resolved at this point.
Within the first four weeks of the semester:
If the appeal is not resolved with the instructor, students should submit the grade appeal in writing following the criteria outline on the SBS Grade Appeal Form. The Grade Appeal and any supporting evidence should be submitted to the School of Biological Sciences Director’s Office, 402 Manter Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118.
Within the first six weeks of the semester:
If the appeal is not resolved favorably with the Director, the Grade Appeal will be automatically forwarded to the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) Undergraduate Affairs and Grade Appeals Committee for consideration. The SBS Undergraduate Affairs and Grade Appeals Committee will meet and discuss the appeal. The Committee will examine the evidence and consult with the student & instructor as needed.
The Committee cannot and will not attempt to resolve disputes about a student's knowledge of any subject matter such as re-grading. Rather, the committee’s only responsibility is to ensure due process in awarding the course grade.
The Committee cannot adjudicate minor complaints. It cannot and will not take a role purely on the grounds that failure to change a grade will prevent graduation, cause the loss of financial assistance or otherwise impede the student’s progress.
One of three courses of action will be taken by the Committee:
- Reject the case, giving the student full and sufficient reason in writing for its refusal to hear the case.
- Refer the case back to the instructor or student, while suggesting that a resolution should be reached between them and giving construction suggestions in writing toward that end.
- Accept the case unconditionally. Then it will solicit additional information from any source relevant to the case. Supplement the case with interviews if necessary. Consider the full body of evidence. Render its decision within 30 days in writing to both parties, providing reasons for the decision.
Within 30 days from the submission of an appeal, the committee will make a recommendation. The Committee cannot change grades; rather the committee will make a recommendation regarding assignment of the final grade.
The student has the right to appeal the decision and submit the appeal immediately to the College of Arts & Sciences Grading Appeals Committee, 1223 Oldfather, Lincoln, NE 68588-0312.