The Citadel Final Grade Appeal Policy requires that the student must initiate the grades appeal process. The principle of academic freedom gives an instructor broad discretion in specifying the criteria by which student achievement is to be assessed and making decisions about the student’s accomplishments according to those criteria. Thus, except in unusual circumstances, an instructor’s decision about a grade may not be overruled. A student may, of course, request that his or her instructor review a grade for any required work in a course. Other than the course instructor, only the Provost and Associate Provost may change a grade.

1. Student presents his/her concerns in writing to the instructor. Student then meets with the instructor to discuss these concerns (click here for tips for meeting with your instructor). A decision will be made within 3 business days. If the instructor fails to respond within the allotted time, the student can proceed to next step (writing the department head).


2. Student presents his/her concerns in writing to the department head. Student then meets with department head to discuss these concerns. A decision will be made within 3 business days. If the department head fails to respond within the allotted time, the student can proceed to next step (writing the dean).


3. Student presents his/her concerns in writing to the dean. (If student are uncertain of who the dean is they should contact the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs.) Student then meets with dean to discuss these concerns. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the discussion, the student submits a grade appeal form (form is below) and provides required material to the dean of the school within four weeks from when grades were released.


4. The dean will form a grade appeal committee consisting of at least three (3) tenured or tenure-track faculty two of which from the department and one from outside the department and provide direction to the committee, including maintaining the confidentiality of the process.


5. The dean may request materials as needed from the instructor regarding the grade appeal, including but not limited to grades, syllabus, and assignments, for the grade appeal committee.


6. The dean may request additional information from the student as needed for the grade appeal committee, as well as ask the student to craft a detailed letter about why he/she is appealing the grade. Note: The grade appeal committee does not interact with the student or instructor. Any needed materials are to be gathered and disseminated by the college or school dean.


7. The grade appeal committee submits its recommendation to the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.


8. The Associate Provost for Academic Affairs will evaluate the situation and the recommendation from the grade appeal committee and notify the student and instructor of the appeal decision within 15 business days of receipt of the grade appeals form.


9. If the decision results in a grade change, the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs submits a copy of the letter to the Registrar, requesting the grade change.