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Department of Political Science

(Approved: November 15, 1973)
(Reaffirmed: September 1986)

  1. Grading complaints will be referred initially to the faculty member involved. Every effort should be made to gain agreement between the student and faculty member without further recourse. In extraordinary cases, where the issues cannot be resolved in this manner, the following advisory procedures are available.
  2. The grading complaint will be referred to either the undergraduate or graduate standing "Screening Committee," each Committee to be composed of one faculty member appointed by the Chairperson and one student appointed by the Chairperson in consultation with the relevant student member of the Executive Committee. No complaint shall be entered unless submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Department, the LS&A Office of Student Academic Affairs of the College, or the Dean of the Graduate School within eight weeks after the beginning of the first regular term (Fall or Winter) following the term in which the grade in question was given..
  3. The Screening Committee shall receive all relevant written evidence submitted by the student and by the instructor and shall within two weeks from the date of their receipt of the complaint determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the instructor's evaluation of the student's work was inequitable or unprofessional.
  4. If the Screening Committee unanimously determines there is no probable cause, their conclusion shall be reported to the Executive Committee. Upon acceptance of the report by the Executive Committee, it shall be communicated to the student, the instructor, and the LS&A Assistant Dean of Student Academic Affairs or the Dean of the Graduate School.
  5. If either member of the committee believes there to be a prima facie case in support of the student, this fact shall be reported to the Executive Committee. The chairperson, in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall then appoint a five-person ad hoc committee, composed of three faculty members and two students, to hear the case. The appointments to the ad hoc committee shall take into account any salient issues of principle raised by the complaint. The ad hoc committee shall receive all relevant written and oral evidence from the student and from the instructor and shall offer each a fair opportunity to state his/her case and to comment on the case presented by the other. The committee may also call for such other evidence as it deems necessary. The committee shall determine whether the instructor's evaluation of the student's work was inequitable or unprofessional, and if so, how the injustice could best be remedied. Either party may request a joint appearance of both parties before the committee. In no case shall either party be accompanied by counsel.
  6. Within four weeks after their receipt of the complaint, the ad hoc committee shall report its conclusions to the Executive Committee, making clear its findings of fact, its view of the principles of equity or professionalism relevant to the case, and its suggested remedy. Upon acceptance of the report by the Executive committee, it shall be communicated to the student and the instructor, and the Chairperson shall discuss its recommendations with each. The results of these discussions, together with a copy of the report itself, will be communicated to the Executive Committee and to the LS&A Office of Student Academic Affairs or the Dean of the Graduate School.
  7. In unusual circumstances, the time limits specified above may be extended by the Executive Committee.
  8. All proceedings shall be treated as strictly confidential by all concerned.

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