Student Appeal of a Grade in the College of Liberal Arts

Students must make a serious effort to resolve grade-related issues directly with their instructor first. It is important to remember that the instructor has primary responsibility for assigning grades. Appeals of grades will not be considered at levels above the course instructor unless the student presents evidence of differential treatment and/or procedural irregularities. A mere disagreement with the instructor's judgment is not a valid basis for an appeal. 

Students have one year from the day grades are posted to initiate a grievance. Appeals must follow the appropriate channels as described in the procedure below.

1. Initial Steps: Before appealing a grade to the Dean of Liberal Arts, you must have attempted to resolve your complaint with:
   a)  The instructor who issued the grade.
   b)  The instructor’s departmental chairperson or office director.
    
2. Form Completion: Complete both the front and back of the Student Academic Grievance Form (see below) for Appeal of a Grade, using additional sheets of paper if necessary.
    
   
3. Form Submission: You have two options to return the completed form:
   a)  Regular post: Office of the Dean of Liberal Arts (Grade Appeal), College of Liberal Arts, Box 19617, University Hall 210, Arlington, TX 76019
   b)  E-mail: liberalarts@uta.edu (Please add in the subject line: “Grade Grievance”)
   
   
4. Optional Meeting: If you wish, you may set up an appointment with the Associate Dean or Program Director of Undergraduate/Graduate Success & Retention in charge of grade grievances to review the grievance procedures. This appointment is not for discussing the details of your grievance, but rather to clarify any questions you might have about the process. Your grievance will be reviewed based on the paperwork you submit, including the form below and any supporting materials.


5. Review Process: Your appeal will be reviewed by the appropriate Dean’s office official. If your appeal warrants further review, the Dean will ask the appropriate chairperson(s) or administrators to comment on your appeal.


6. Decision: It will be based on UTA’s Grades and Grading Policies available at the University Catalog. The Dean’s Office decision is final.


7. Notification: The Dean, Associate Dean, or Program Director will inform you of the decision in writing no more that 30 days after the receipt of the form. If the form is received during the summer months, the decision will be made by September 15 of that year. The decision will be emailed to you at the address provided on the Student Academic Grievance Form.