Final Course Grade Appeals
A student has the right to appeal a final course grade if one or more of the following reasons can be substantiated:
- A grading decision was made on some basis other than the student’s classroom performance.
- A grading decision was based on significantly different standards from those applied to other students in the same course in the same term with the same instructor.
- A grading decision was based on a significant and unannounced departure from the course syllabus.
- The student experienced a significant extenuating circumstance within the last 7 days of the course term that prevented the student from participating in class or submitting coursework.
Before initiating a grade appeal, the student is strongly encouraged to work directly with the course instructor to resolve the concern. Per the Grade Appeal Policy, if the student still chooses to appeal their final grade the student must complete, sign, and submit the school’s Grade Appeal Form by the 3rd day following the end of the term. The form must be accompanied by any relevant documentation to support the student’s reason for the appeal. The burden of proving the reason for the appeal rests solely with the student. An appeal cannot be made solely based on a disagreement with the instructor’s decisions. Students can obtain the Grade Appeal Form from their Dean of Education or Registrar.
Dismissal Appeals
The Student Academic Appeal policy provides students a way to appeal dismissal from their academic program. Students who wish to appeal academic status/eligibility due to failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress should see the SAP Appeals & Financial Aid Probation section of the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy within this Catalog.
An academic appeal must be received within 14 calendar days of the student being notified of the decision that he or she wishes to appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Education or the Dean of Nursing (for students enrolled in nursing courses). The appeal must include a description of the academic decision the student is requesting be reviewed and the relevant facts explaining the reason for a review of the decision.
The Dean of Education will convene a meeting of the Academic Review Board, consisting of the one program director who was not the instructor for the course and the Dean and Campus President. This meeting will be held within seven calendar days of the Dean receiving the student’s written appeal. The student will be notified in writing (via mail and/or email) of the Academic Review Board’s decision. The notification will be sent no later than the end of the 3rd business day after the Academic Review Board meeting.
If the student is appealing termination due to violation of the attendance policy the student will remain withdrawn from the school until the appeal is successful.
Nursing Academic Appeals
If a nursing student wishes to appeal a dismissal from the program due to a third failure in a NUR or PNR course, the student’s appeal letter must describe the significant extenuating circumstances that directly affected the student’s ability to successfully pass the courses. The appeal letter must also state the changes that have occurred in the student’s circumstances that will support the student being able to successfully pass the course/s if the appeal is granted. Qualifying significant extenuating circumstances are typically limited to temporary yet severe illness or injury, hospitalization, military duty, death of a family member, and incidents related to natural disasters. The Academic Review Board will make the determination of whether the person will be allowed to re-enter the program and define the requirements for re-entry. After the campus has made their recommendations, their decision will be reviewed by the Appeals Oversight Committee. The Appeals Oversight Committee consists of various positions within Education Affiliates Inc, the ultimate owner of the College. All appeal materials must be submitted to the Appeals Oversight Committee four weeks before the term starts. Appeals submitted less than four weeks prior will not be reviewed for the upcoming term. The final decision regarding the appeal will be made by the Appeals Oversight Committee.
To appeal to re-enter after dismissal, the student must submit an appeal form, letter of appeal, supporting documentation, current grade transcript, and an academic success plan four weeks before returning. The appeal should include a description of the academic decision being appealed, along with as much supporting documentation as possible to explain and substantiate the reason for the appeal.
If a student is appealing termination due to a third failure in a nursing course, their letter of appeal must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Academic Review Board, that significant extenuating circumstances prevented them from passing the failed courses. Qualifying significant extenuating circumstances are rare and typically include severe illness, injury, hospitalization, military duty, death of a family member, or incidents related to natural disasters. The student must also explain the steps taken to ensure these events will no longer impact their progress and provide a plan to successfully meet their academic goals.
If re-entry is permitted, the campus will review an academic success plan with conditions that the student must agree to and meet. If another failing grade in a nursing course is received, the student will be permanently dismissed from the program, and no additional appeals will be considered. This policy applies to all nursing programs in the Education Affiliates system. Permanently dismissed students cannot transfer to another Education Affiliates school.
If the person who has been dismissed or a student believes that he or she did not receive the appropriate due process, the person may submit a grievance by following the procedure described in the grievance policy section of this Catalog.