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1.14 | Semester Grading

1.14.A | It is the responsibility of each faculty member to assess the student's performances of that at the end of a semester or summer term each student can be assigned a grade in accordance with the grading system of the university. WHich will properly show the extend of each student's achievements in the course. The faculty member determines the appropriate grade, subject only to the appeal process.

1.14.B | Each instructor and each department must assume responsibility for maintaining grading standards. Each faculty member must assign grades at the end of the term or semester, as noted in the WTAMU catalog. Final grades are determined only at the end of the semester or term. At the end of the term or semester, the faculty member will submit grades through WTClass for each student within each of their classes.

1.14.C | Publish postings of student grades are prohibited. Use of WTClass gradebook allows students private access to their grades. For information regarding cheating/plagiarism, see section on Academic Dishonesty.

1.14.D | Quoted below are suggested meanings and values for grades. Hour's description:

i. A | 4 - Excellent

ii. B | 3 - Good

iii. C | 2 - Average 

iv. D | 1 - Passing

v. F | 0 - Failing

vi. XF | 0 - Drop/withdraw failing after midterm (calculated in GPA)

vii. N | 0 - No grade

viii. X | Drop/withdraw prior to midterm, or passing after midterm (not calculated in GPA)

ix. P | Pass grade for developmental courses prior to 2002 fall semester

x. U | Fail grade for developmental courses prior to 2002 fall semester

xi. I | Incomplete

xii. S | Pass in CLEP, SAT, ACT and other specifically approved courses

xiii. IP | These/Dissertation progress

1.14.E | When a grade of Incomplete (I) is given by a faculty member, a Contract for Removal of Incomplete form must be completed and signed by the faculty member and the student. This form is to be turned into the Office of the Registrar. If the Incomplete (I) is not changed to a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) by the date listed on the form, the Incomplete (I) will automatically be changed to a failing grade (F).

1.14.F | When the instructor does not turn in grades by the deadline, the registrar will assign a grade of N to all students in the course. The instructor will then have to complete an individual grade change form for each student enrolled in the course in order to have the final grade recorded on the student's official transcript.

1.14.G | Grade Change: Changes in grades after the grade has ben reported are initiated by the faculty member at the Office of the Registrar on a Grade Change Form. These changes, except for grades I or N, require review and approval of the approrpriate direct supervisor.

1.14.H | Grade Challenges Procedure for Student Who Challenge Semester Grades

i. Academic Appeals Committee (Provost/EVPAA): The Academic Appeals Commitee hears appeals involving disputes over final course grades. Membership consists of:

a. Chair - Faculty member (appointed by the Provost/EVPAA from among the elected members)

b. Six faculty (one from each college, elected by the colleges)

c. Six students (appointed by Student Government)

ii. When the appeal is ready to be heard by the Academic Appeals Committee, the chair chooses a panel of two additional faculty members from the remaining five faculty members, and two students from among the six student members.

1.14.I | Challenge Procedure:

i. Before a grade-challenge hearing can be scheduled with the committee, the student must make the initial appeal to the faculty member of that particular course; or if the faculty member is no longer with the university, the student must appeal to the head of the department that offered the course. If no resolution is reached at the department head level, the student may appeal to the dean of the college in which the course was offered. If at this point the problem has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student may file a formal appeal with the Academic Appeals Committee.

ii. A student desiring a hearing before the Academic Appeals Committee must file a written request for an appeal hearing with the dean of the college in which the course was offered. The dean will forward the appeal to the EVPP.

a. Deadline to file a formal grade challenge:

i. If the grade being challenged was given during the spring semester, spring intersession or a summer session - October 1.

ii. If the grade being challenged was given during the fall semester or winter intersession - March 1.

b. The student must understand that the act of filing the written request is construed as authorizing all committee members to have access to all records, including academic, civil, and medical records where relevant and appropriate, that may have a bearing on deliberations.

iii. The written request for an appeal hearing must be accompanied by a statement from the student outlining the basis for the appeal, copies of any evidence and supporting docuemnts that will be introduced at the hearing, and the names of any witnesses who will be present. The faculty member also has the right to provide evidence or bring witnesses to the committee.

iv. Upon receipt of the appeal, the EVPP shall notify the chair of the Academic Appeals Committee, who will, within three (3) working days, appoint the panel to hear the appeal. The chair will set a date for a hearing within 10 business days and inform the student, faculty member, the faculty member's department head, and the appropriate dean of the time and place for the hearing. All parties will be given notice five (5) business days before the hearing and the opportunity to confirm their attendance.

v. Failure of the student to appear without dustifable cause terminates the right to appeal. The faculty member may waive the right to appear at the hearing, and a faculty member who has not waived the right to appear, but fails to appear without notice, will be deemed to have waived the right to appear. No hearing may take place in absence of the faculty member unless the faculty member has specifically waived the right to appear or has failed to appear without notice.

vi. The burden of proof shall be upon the student to prove their case by a preponderance of evidence. The student and the faculty member shall have the right to have counsel present, to present such witnesses. Legal sounsel, if present, may offer coubnsel and advice, but may not participate in the hearing.

vii. All parties shall be afforded the opportunity for reasonable oral argument.

viii. Upon request, sufficiently in advance by either party, the chair shall cause testimony presented at the hearing to be recorded. A copy of the recording may be obtained from the chair at the expense of the requesting party.

ix. Immediately after the appeal hearing, the panel will go into closed session to deliberate and render a decision that is approved by at least three members of the panel.

xii. Either party has the right to appeal the decision of the panel to the EVPP. Written notice of the appeal by either party will be given to the committee chair, who will notify the other party and the EVPP within three (3) working days. All documents and any recordings of testimony at the hearing will be forwarded to the EVPP who will review them and render a decision within five (5) working days.

xiii. There will be no futher appeal from the decision of the EVPP.

xiv. In the event that the faculty member loses the appeal at either level, they will be given the opportunity to change the student's grade. If the faculty member refuses to change the grade, the EVPP will direct the Registrar to change the grade, without prejudice to the faculty member.