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 a College policy when they believe it has been misapplied, or when there are extenuating circumstances that might warrant an exception to the policy. Examples of appeals that the College considers include: requesting to be allowed to study abroad despite not being in good academic standing; requesting a schedule change after the add/drop deadlines because of extenuating circumstances; and requesting an early return following an academic suspension.
Students who believe their circumstances might warrant an exception to a College policy should talk with their Advising Dean about the possibility of submitting an appeal. Advising Deans are happy to help students understand which types of appeals the College considers, and the processes 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 will determine what counts as “timely” and Advising Deans are happy to provide guidance on this and other aspects of the appeals process. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that the appeal 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. Appeals of College policy are overseen by the Advising Deans 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. CFR consists of faculty members who are not Advising Deans. The committee meets monthly during the academic year and once during the summer. The decisions of the CFR are final and there is no further avenue for appeal.
Students must consult with their Advising Dean on what information is needed to appeal to the CFR. All materials for a CFR appeal should go directly to the Advising Dean who will submit the appeal on behalf of the student. CFR decisions will be 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 Programs. The decision of the Senior Assistant Dean is final and there is no further avenue for appeal. Students are notified of final decisions directly, with their Advising Dean copied on the message.