What is a grading grievance?
A grading grievance is written complaint that you have been assigned a grade by an instructor for other than academic reasons. You may not appeal a grade simply because you disagree with the grade. For the purposes of this process, a grade includes a mark indicating level of achievement as well as other forms of evaluation such as approvals of capstone projects. Both undergraduates and graduate students may file grading grievances. (See below for some graduate student exceptions.)
Grading grievance forms (two formats):
Be sure to read the instructions on the form. The forms must be downloaded and sent in with your evidence files. They are not fillable online. It is also helpful to read the Academic Senate Grading Regulations.
NOTE: If you are also reporting a Title IX (sexual violence or sexual harassment) or discrimination complaint, follow this link:
Who can file a grading grievance with P&T?
Any undergraduate or graduate student, except those pursuing professional degrees, may file a grievance with the Committee on Privilege and Tenure that their grade or evaluation was assigned for other than academic reasons. Student in professional schools who are pursuing graduate degrees should use the P&T grading grievance process.
Students or trainees pursuing professional degrees or programs should follow their school's processes for grading grievances.
- Law School Grade Change Rule
- Medical School Student Policies (including grading)
- Medical Resident Academic Due Process
- School of Dentistry, See: Forms and Policies
How do I file a grading grievance with P&T?
If you have reason to believe you have been evaluated for other than academic reasons (not simply disagreeing with a grade), submit a grading grievance to P&T using the form linked above. You should also submit the course syllabus, your grading breakdown (such as by a snapshot from MyUCLA), and the evidence you believe shows the grade was assigned for other than academic reason.
What happens after I file a grading grievance?
- The P&T Analyst will review your written grievance and request additional materials if needed.
- The P&T Committee will review your grievance and determine:
- whether your grievance merely alleges a disagreement about your grade
- whether you have adequately demonstrated that your grade was assigned for other than academic reasons
- If the Committee determines that you are merely disagreeing with your grade or have not sufficiently demonstrated that it was assigned for other than academic reasons, the Committee will dismiss your grievance. The Committee's decision is final.
- If the Committee determines that you have established that your grade was assigned for other than academic reasons, the Committee will report that finding to the Academic Senate Chair.
- The Academic Senate Chair will appoint a confidential ad hoc committee to determine whether the grade shall be changed.
- The ad hoc committee shall consist of at least three members, with at least one member a representative of the department involved. The ad hoc committee will obtain whatever records are available and use these records to make a final decision concerning the grade. If the records are not adequate, then the committee may assign a grade of Pass, or allow the student to repeat the course without penalty.
- The ad hoc committee will report to the Division Chair, who shall report the change of grade to the Registrar.
- The ad hoc committee's decision is final. There is no appeal.
Questions? Email governance@senate.ucla.edu
