The Pilot Program(September, 1992) The Pilot Program upholds the principle that the instructor in a course is always in the best position to determine the quality of students' work. The Pilot Program also has confidence in the qualifications and good judgment of its faculty. Nonetheless, where it can be proven that a clerical error, a procedural fault, or a capricious or biased appraisal has resulted in the awarding of an unfair grade, the Program will do everything in its power to correct the error. It must be understood, however, that only the instructor of a course can determine the substantive value of a student's performance in that course and only the instructor can change the grade. Furthermore, while the Pilot Program wishes to see demonstrably unfair grades rectified, it will not automatically invoke the full procedure described below for every grievance. For example, a grievance based on the argument that one instructor's grading standards are stricter than those of others will normally not be pursued. Nor will minor imprecision grading, such as between a B- and B, normally be considered an appropriate grievance. It is imperative that a student first attempt to resolve a grade grievance by conference with the instructor of the course. This conference should occur within two weeks of receiving the grade. If setting up such a conference is impossible due to off-campus activities of either the faculty member or the student, the student should inform the Director of the Pilot Program in writing of his/her intent to pursue a grievance, and the Director should respond in writing with a proposed timetable for dealing with the complaint. Should the Director determine that the primary issue involves the allegation of cheating, the Director shall encourage the student to take the case to the Academic Judiciary to have that issue resolved. In the event the student makes an appeal to the LS&A Office of Student Academic Affairs, the matter is referred to the Pilot Program with the same result. The Director will seek to arrange a hearing at which both parties to the dispute will be urged to appear, the time and place to be confirmed in writing. This should be scheduled no later than two weeks after the matter is referred to the Director. Before the hearing the instructor will be invited to reply in writing to the objections of the student, Any such communication will be made available to the student in time for him/her to respond to it at the hearing. The Director will judge the complaint on the basis of testimony and written evidence. If the Director finds that the instructor has not acted fairly or properly, she/he will attempt to persuade the instructor to change the grade. If the instructor should refuse to do so, on grounds of academic freedom, the Director can recommend administrative action which will remove the grade by other means, or may prepare a letter setting forth her/his view to be sent to the student and entered in her/his file. If the Director finds that the instructor has acted properly, she/he will so inform the student. Did
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