Grade Appeal Process

Student Grade Appeals and Grievances

The instructor determines the final grade earned in a course. Under California Education Code § 76224, the instructor’s determination is final unless the grade resulted from:

Mistake – An error related to the assignment or calculation of the grade. This may include, but is not limited to, mathematical or calculation errors and clerical errors.
Fraud – You believe the grade resulted from intentional deception, misrepresentation, or other fraudulent conduct.
Bad Faith – You believe the grade resulted from an improper or dishonest purpose rather than the instructor's good-faith academic judgment.
Incompetency – You believe the grade resulted from a lack of ability or qualification necessary to properly perform the grading responsibility.
The exercise of rights of free expression is protected by the state and federal constitutions and Education Code Section 76120.

Disagreeing with a grade or needing a different grade for financial aid, transfer, graduation, academic standing, or another academic consequence is not, by itself, a valid basis for a grade appeal. For additional information, review KCCD Board Policy and Administrative Procedures 4231.

Steps to Filing a Formal Grievance

Students should attempt to resolve their grade informally, but may also elect to do so through a formal process. Important: Attempting to resolve a concern informally does not stop or extend the deadline for filing a Statement of Grievance.

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Step One: Meet with the Instructor

Step Two: Contact the Department Chair

Step Three: Meet with the Dean of Instruction

Step Four: Gather Your Documentation

Step Five: Submit a Formal Grade Appeal Grievance

Do Not Wait to Begin the Process

Grade appeals are typically addressed within one academic year of the grade being posted to the student’s academic transcript. However, students should act promptly because specific grievance filing deadlines apply. Informal meetings do not extend those deadlines.

Review the official Student Grievance Procedures for deadlines, requirements, and formal hearing procedures.

Requesting a Formal Grade Appeal

If the concern remains unresolved, the student must follow the steps for a student grievance procedure and submit the Student Statement of Grade Appeal Grievance Intake Form. Submitting the form begins a review with the Dean of Students Office. In most cases, the Dean of Students serves as the Student Grievance Officer and assists the student through the grade appeal and grievance process. If the matter proceeds to a formal hearing, a grievance hearing panel may review the evidence and recommend a finding. The Vice President of Instruction makes the final determination in cases involving fraud, bad faith, or incompetence.

Student Statement of Grade Appeal Grievance Intake Form

Questions or Assistance

Students are encouraged to email the Dean of Students Office as soon as possible after a concern arises, as the deadline to file a Statement of Grievance is generally 14 calendar days.

For the complete District procedure, students should review Kern Community College District Administrative Procedure 5530: Student Rights and Grievances.