Academic Grievance Policy
Purpose
Midland University students may initiate the Academic Grievance procedures in the event that he or she believes that an academic policy has not been followed. Academic policies include Academic Program rules and procedures, instructional activities in or out of the classroom, grading procedures, or other activities related to Academic Affairs. Students should also follow these procedures in pursuit of a waiver of a set of academic policies or standards.
This policy does not address issues regarding student employment or sexual harassment. It deals with academic grievances only. A student must have evidence that a specific policy was violated or that they were treated in an arbitrary, prejudicial, or capricious manner. This policy does not limit Midland University’s right to change rules, policies, or practices.
Resolution should be achieved at the lowest level and in the most equitable way possible. The burden of proof rests with the student to show that it was more likely than not that an error was made or that judgment has been exercised in a capricious manner or on an improper basis.
Grades
Students should be aware that clear evidence is needed to contest a grade. Belief that a subject or text was too difficult is not grounds for a complaint. Grades and other academic judgments are within the province and professional judgment of the faculty. Therefore, such judgments will only be addressed in the event of allegations relating to faculty error or impropriety, such as judgment affected by alleged prejudice or capriciousness.
Students must follow these steps:
- Grade Dispute: students should initiate contact with the instructor to resolve the issue. The grade dispute will determine whether the issue is the result of judgment, clerical, technical, or technological error. Grade disputes are to be resolved as soon as possible and be filed no later than 10 business days after grades are posted. Faculty will have 5 business days to respond.
- Grade Appeal: if the Grade Dispute does not resolve the situation, the student should file a Grade Appeal with the appropriate Dean. Grade Appeals must be filed within 5 business days of the resolution of the Grade Dispute.
- Academic Grievance: if the Grade Appeal does not resolve the situation, students may file an Academic Grievance within 5 business days of receipt of the Grade Appeal decision. Dissatisfaction with the outcome is not sufficient grounds for an Academic Grievance.
Academic Integrity Violation
Instances of Academic Integrity Violations, as detailed in the Academic Integrity policy, will be reported to the Registrar’s Office if a formal sanction is imposed.
- Academic Integrity Violation Appeal: students may appeal these sanctions to the Dean of the School or College within which the course is found. Appeals must be filed within 5 business days.
- Academic Grievance: if the Academic Integrity Violation Appeal does not resolve the situation, students may file an Academic Grievance within 5 business days of receipt of the Academic Integrity Violation Appeal decision. Dissatisfaction with the outcome is not sufficient grounds for an Academic Grievance.
Academic Progress
Students academic progress is measured at the end of each semester. Academic progression is reviewed by the Academic Progress Committee who shall make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- Academic Progress Appeal: students seeking to appeal these decisions should file an Academic Grievance no later than 15 business days after the notice is sent.
- Re-Admission Appeal: students that are seeking re-admission to the University after an Academic Suspension, must file a Re-Admission Appeal as part of the re-application process.
- Administrative Withdrawal: students seeking to appeal these decisions should file an Academic Grievance no later than 1 business day after the notice is sent.
Other Academic Policies Standards
Policies and procedures of Academic Affairs include those of the various schools and colleges, the Academic Resource Center, the University Library, the Career Studio, the University Registrar, and those detailed in the Academic Catalog. Students should seek resolution at the lowest level possible.
- General Academic Grievance: Students may appeal decisions made via Academic Affairs units via the Academic Grievance form within 5 business days of its receipt.
- Credit Overload Application
- Early Participation in Commencement