Grade Complaint Process

"Sex Sells" Coordinated Studies Class

North Seattle Community College
JC Clapp, jclapp@sccd.ctc.edu
Melissa Grinley, mgrinley@sccd.ctc.edu
 

If you ever want more comments on your paper, so that you understand where your grade came from, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Asking for more feedback or asking for a clarification of how your grade was calculated is not a grade complaint.  However, if you are unhappy with your grade (either on an assignment or in the class) and you want it changed, there is a process for appealing your grade.  Any assignment grade appeals must be filed within one week of when your paper has been return your paper to you.  Here's what to do:

  1. Go to and thoroughly read the information at: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Professor-to-Change-Your-Grade
  2. If you decide you want to try and convince us to change your grade after reading the above article, then email both of us.  In your email you need to attach the paper whose grade is in question.  Also, you need to thoroughly explain to us why you think a grade change is warranted.  Your explanation needs to be clear, concise, and have evidence to back it up.  There are some reasons for a grade change that won't work with us, so don't use them. They are:
    --Because you tried really hard on the assignment (or worked really hard in the class)
    --Because the Loft tutors helped you with the assignment and they told you it was good
    --Because English isn't your first language and you feel I should use different standards to assess your work than we do for native speakers of English
    --Because you need a certain grade in order to pass the class
    --Because you won't graduate if you don't pass the class
    --Because you need a certain grade to get into a particular program or college
    --Because you'll lose your student visa, your financial aid, or your parent's financial support if you don't pass the class
    --Because you're an A student and you've never earned less on an A on anything
    --Because you think the assignment was too difficult and our standards are unreasonable
    --Because you and your group members struggled to get along and inter-personal issues made writing a good paper practically impossible
  3. We (Melissa and JC) will read your argument, discuss it, and decide together whether or not we're willing to adjust your grade. Then, we'll reply to your email and let you know our decision.  It may take us a week or so to get back to you, so please be patient.  If we feel a grade change is appropriate, we'll change it at this point.
  4. If we don’t agree with you and change your grade, you have two choices.  You can either just write it off and move on, or you can take your case up the chain of command.  To do that, you would go and meet with the Dean of the Humanities Division (JC's Dean) or the Dean of the Math, Science, and Social Science Division (Melissa's Dean).  If the Dean is unable to resolve your complaint, he or she will advise you as to how to file a formal complaint with the college.

A few things to consider, as well: