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Academic Policy Handbook ARCHIVE

Appendix A

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Appendix A

Administrative Management Rules for Changes of Grade

Administrative Management Rules for Changes of Grade

"If a student is unable to resolve a grade dispute with the instructor, no grade will be changed until the dispute has been resolved through the student grievance procedure. Refer to Student Rights and Responsibilities 620.035, Student Grievance Procedures."

"In the event that through the student grievance procedure, a grade change is indicated, this change can be initiated only by the instructor, the executive dean, vice president, or college president as appropriate to the grievance procedure and organizational structure of the college."

"In the event the instructor is no longer employed by the college, grade changes can be made by the appropriate executive dean providing there is sufficient evidence to make a change and that the instructor is not readily available for consultation."

Procedures for Grade Change

  1. If, as a result of the student grievance procedure at any step, it is determined that a grade should be changed and the faculty member involved agrees to such change, the faculty member shall initiate the grade change form and provide a copy to the administrator responsible for resolving the grievance so that it can be incorporated into the grievance file. The administrator should notify the student.
  2. If, as a result of a student grievance procedure at the level of the associate dean, it is determined that a grade should be changed and the faculty member involved disagrees, the following steps shall be followed:
    1. The student will be notified that a final decision regarding the grade change is pending an appeal by the faculty member and that the student grievance procedure timelines will need to be extended by twenty (20) calendar days.
    2. The faculty member shall be so notified by the associate dean and given five (5) calendar days in which to respond in writing with reasons why the grade should not be changed.
    3. If the associate dean decides that the grade still must be changed upon receipt of the written reasons from the faculty member, the faculty member should be notified and given five (5) calendar days to appeal to the executive dean. If no appeal is filed, the associate dean shall initiate the grade change and so notify the instructor.
    4. If appealed to the executive dean, the executive dean shall meet with the faculty member within ten (10) calendar days and render a final decision.
  3. If an instructor is no longer employed by the college, a student request for a grade change is to be made to the appropriate executive dean. If there is sufficient evidence to make a change and if reasonable attempts by the executive dean fail to produce a response from the instructor, the executive dean will authorize a grade change by completing and forwarding a grade change request to the Student Records Department for processing into the student's permanent grade transcript record.
  4. If a student requests a grade change after three (3) academic terms following receipt of a grade, the request will be denied. However, any special circumstances are to be directed by the student to the appropriate executive dean who may authorize the processing of the request. The instructor has the responsibility for authorizing any such grade change.