Student Appeals
Understand College policy on student appeals
The College strives to apply the policies of its Faculty fairly and equitably. However, students may appeal the application of any College policy when they believe it has been misapplied or when there are extenuating circumstances that might warrant an exception. Examples of student appeals to College policy include: requests to be allowed to study abroad despite not being in good academic standing; requests for a schedule change after the add/drop deadlines because of extenuating circumstances; and requests for early return following an academic suspension.
When students believe their circumstances might warrant an exception to a College policy, their Advising Dean is the first point of contact. Advising Deans are happy to advise students on the appeals process, review the materials required, and timelines involved in various types of appeals. It is important to note that only students can submit appeals— no one else may submit an appeal on a student’s behalf. In addition, appeals must be made in a timely manner. The nature of the appeal determines what counts as “timely” and Advising Deans provide guidance on this and other aspects of the appeals process. Please note that the submission of an appeal does not guarantee that it will be granted.
Decisions on time-sensitive appeals, such as late schedule changes, are typically communicated within several days to one week. Less urgent appeals are typically decided within two weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Appeals submitted during the summer months may take longer to be decided. Advising Deans oversee appeals of College policy and students are encouraged to consult with their Advising Dean for advice and assistance.
Course Enrollment Deadlines
Students who wish to appeal penalties attached to missed Add, Drop and other enrollment deadlines should contact their Advising Dean for instructions.
Grading and Classroom Issues
Grade appeals may only relate to errors in computation of the final grade and not to the quality of a student’s work. Appeals may result in a lower grade being awarded.
Students who wish to appeal the computation of a grade or other classroom issue must first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor of the course. Absent a satisfactory outcome, the student may appeal to the relevant department chair or program director.
If this path proves unsuccessful in the resolution of the matter, the student may appeal to a committee of associate deans in the College of Arts & Sciences. The written appeal should include the following: a summary of the basis for the grade appeal; relevant correspondence between student and instructor; and the decision of the chair or program director. Please email Coll-gradeappeals@virginia.edu with all requested materials attached.
Students have one term beyond when a grade posted to submit an appeal. The appeal of a grade from a course offered during a student's final term before graduation must be appealed before graduation.
Appeals to the Committee on Faculty Rules
Students are entitled to two layers of appeal for their requests for exemptions to College policy.
Students whose petitions for exemption from College policy have been denied by the Advising Deans may appeal to the Committee on Faculty Rules (CFR) when they believe there has been a procedural anomaly. The CFR consists of faculty members who are not Advising Deans. The committee meets monthly during the academic year and once during the summer. Decisions of the CFR are final and there is no further avenue for appeal.
Students who wish to appeal to the CFR work with their Advising Dean to ensure that their appeal includes all relevant and required materials. CFR appeals are routed directly to the Advising Dean who then submits the appeal on behalf of the student. CFR decisions are communicated directly to the student via email, with their Advising Dean copied on the message.
In the case of time-sensitive appeals, such as Late Schedule Change requests, the second layer of appeal is decided by the Senior Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs. The decision of the Senior Assistant Dean is final and there is no further avenue for appeal. Students are notified of final decisions over email, with their Advising Dean copied on the message.