STH Grade Grievance Policy

When a student believes they have received an unfair grade in a course and wishes to seek redress, they should follow the steps outlined in this policy. For the purposes of this policy, “unfair” grades are those 1) assigned to a student based on something other than performance in the course; 2) are assigned to a student based on different standards than those applied to other students, with the exception of accommodations made for students for whom English is not their first language; or 3) are assigned using criteria that depart significantly from what was conveyed by the professor. This policy can apply to either a final grade or a grade on a single assignment or course requirement. In cases related to unlawful discrimination or harassment, the student should follow the University’s complaint procedures as outlined on the BU policies webpage.

Step 1 — Discussion with faculty member/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

In the event a student is aggrieved, the first step is to contact the relevant faculty member and to schedule a meeting to attempt to resolve the matter. This should be done within 10 working days after the grade was assigned or feedback provided.

In the event the student believes the matter remains unresolved at the conclusion of the meeting with the faculty member, the student may bring the matter to the attention of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (Academic Dean). In the case that the Academic Dean is the object of the complaint, the student may bring the matter to the attention of the Dean of the School, who may designate another faculty member to serve as Chair of the grievance process. This must be done within 5 working days of the meeting. The Academic Dean or designated Chair will then meet with the student and the faculty member to attempt to resolve the matter.

Step 2 — Discussion with Designated Chair/Formation of Grievance Committee

If a student still does not believe the issue was resolved, the student may request to proceed with the grade grievance process. In this case, the designated Chair will ask the relevant parties to supply all pertinent written material and correspondence in the matter. In addition, the designated Chair will ask two faculty members to serve as ad hoc members of the Grievance Committee.

The designated Chair will schedule the hearing at a time when the grievant, the faculty member, the two ad hoc members of the Grievance Committee, and the designated Chair can meet to discuss the matter. One of the ad hoc faculty members shall chair the meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Grievance Committee will meet and render a decision and notify all parties within three days of the meeting. The designated Chair will not vote on the decision except in cases where Grievance Committee members are split in their decision.

Step 3: Appealing the Decision

In the event the student believes the issue is still unresolved, they may contest the decision by submitting a written appeal to the Dean of the School of Theology (or the Provost if the Dean is the object of the grievance) no more than 10 working days following receipt of a written decision notice. Written appeals should clearly explain the student’s reason for appealing the Committee’s decision.

Within two working days of receiving a written request for appeal, the Dean shall:
a) Notify the designated Chair so they can assist both the Dean and student with procedural steps and timelines.
b) Following this notification, the Chair will have 10 working days to submit all relevant documentation to the Dean, as well as a written response to the student’s appeal.

Following receipt of the Grievance Committee Chair’s documentation and response letter, the Dean will have 3 working days to render a written decision (this follows grievance process protocol).

The Dean’s decision on the appeal may:
a) Uphold the Grievance Committee’s decision. A Committee decision that is upheld by the Dean may be appealed to the University Provost.
b) Overturn the Grievance Committee’s decision. Note: In the case of an overturned decision, the Dean may not grant the student anything other than what they requested in their original petition.
c) Request the Grievance Committee to reconvene to consider a revised student petition, which must be submitted to the Committee Chair no more than 10 working days following receipt of the Dean’s written decision. The Committee will then have 10 working days to convene and deliver a written decision to the Dean and student. Should a student appeal a decision based on a revised petition, the Dean will only have the option to uphold or overturn the Committee decision.

The appeal decision made by the Dean should be sent in writing to the student, Academic Dean, the involved faculty member, and Grievance Committee Chair (if other than the Academic Dean).

Once the grade grievance process is concluded, if it results in a change to the student’s final grade in the course, it will be the responsibility of the Academic Dean to inform the registrar of the altered grade. In the event the student involved is a graduating student, the parties may accelerate the process as necessary.