Grade Change Policy
Once a grade has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar, that grade may be
changed only under very specific circumstances. Grades may not be changed for the
purpose of improving academic standing. Once grades have been submitted, late or additional
work cannot be used to justify a grade change, except in the circumstances described
below:
- Errors in the calculation or transcription of a grade must be noted on a Grade Change form and submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar through the end of the next term after the grade was submitted.
- A faculty member wishing to change a grade for any reason other than error in calculation or transcription must submit a Grade Change form, with justification in writing, to the Academic Director and the Dean or designee. The completed form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Grade changes arising from illness, family tragedy or miscommunication will be given due consideration.
Graduate Student Initiated Grade Appeal Process and Academic Grievance
- The graduate student should go to the faculty member of the course to request a grade change or to present the grievance to the faculty member.
- If the student is dissatisfied with the faculty member’s decision, they may petition the Graduate Program Director to intervene no later than 30 days into the following semester/term after which the grade was submitted. The Program Director will seek a mutually acceptable resolution. The Program Director will ask the Faculty member to submit a letter explaining the grade or event that caused the petition/ grievance.
- If the student is still dissatisfied, they may then petition the Graduate Academic Standards Committee (GASC) by completing the Graduate Student Appeal Form, which will list the course, instructor, and a description of the grievance or reason for the grade appeal. The petition should be submitted to the applicable Dean who will forward it to the Chair of the GASC. This form must be submitted no later than 8 weeks into the following semester/term after which the grade was submitted or the unresolved situation occurred.
- The Chair of GASC will contact the Program Director and ask for a one page letter explaining the situation that caused the grievance, including the Learning Contract and recommendation of the Program.
- The student may submit additional supporting material with the above letter and petition.
- GASC will recommend a decision to applicable Dean, who will notify the student of the final decision.
Contact Our Admissions Team
Undergraduate Admissions
(800) 437-0048
admissions@franklinpierce.edu
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Graduate/Online Admissions
(800) 325-1090
FPUonline@franklinpierce.edu
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.