College Grade Appeal Letter

Purpose

This template is used by college or university students to formally appeal a course grade they believe was assigned in error or unfairly. Grade appeals are governed by institutional policies, which vary by school. This template provides a structured approach that can be adapted to most institutional requirements.

Valid Grounds for Grade Appeals

Most institutions allow grade appeals only for specific reasons:

Typically Appealable:

• Calculation Error: Mathematical mistake in computing the grade
• Recording Error: Grade entered incorrectly in the system
• Procedural Violation: Instructor deviated from syllabus or grading policy
• Arbitrary/Capricious Grading: Grade not based on stated criteria
• Discrimination or Bias: Grade affected by protected characteristic
• Inconsistent Grading: Treated differently than other students

Typically NOT Appealable:

• Disagreement with instructor's academic judgment
• Dissatisfaction with the grade
• Poor performance on assignments
• Attendance or participation disputes (if policies were followed)
• Late submissions (unless extenuating circumstances)

Before Filing an Appeal

Step 1: Review the Syllabus

• Check grading criteria and policies
• Note any discrepancies between stated and applied policies
• Review assignment weights and calculations

Step 2: Review Your Work

• Gather all graded assignments
• Calculate your own grade based on syllabus criteria
• Identify specific discrepancies

Step 3: Meet with the Instructor

Most schools require this step before filing a formal appeal
- Request a meeting to discuss the grade
- Ask for explanation of how the grade was calculated
- Present your concerns respectfully
- Document the conversation

Step 4: Review Institutional Policy

• Find your school's grade appeal policy (registrar, student handbook, department)
• Note deadlines (often 10-30 days after grade posting)
• Understand the required process

Grade Appeal Letter Template

[Your Full Name]
[Your Student ID Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Mailing Address]

[Date]

[Recipient Name and Title]
[Note: First appeal typically goes to Department Chair; check your institution's policy]
[Department Name]
[University/College Name]
[Address]

Via: ☐ Email ☐ Hand Delivery ☐ Certified Mail

RE: Formal Grade Appeal
Course: [Course Name and Number, e.g., "BIOL 101 - Introduction to Biology"]
Section: [Section Number]
Semester/Term: [e.g., "Fall 2024"]
Instructor: [Professor's Name]
Grade Received: [Letter Grade, e.g., "C"]
Grade Requested: [Letter Grade, e.g., "B"]

Dear [Department Chair/Dean/Committee Name]:

I am writing to formally appeal the grade I received in [Course Name and Number] during the [Semester/Term] semester. After careful review of my coursework and the syllabus grading criteria, I believe the grade of [grade received] does not accurately reflect my academic performance, and I respectfully request a review and correction.

Student Information

Course Information

Prior Attempts to Resolve

Before filing this formal appeal, I took the following steps:

☐ Met with the instructor on [date]
- Summary of discussion: [Brief summary]
- Outcome: [What was resolved or not resolved]

☐ Emailed/contacted the instructor on [date(s)]
- [Describe communications and responses]

☐ Other attempts: [Describe]

The issue was not resolved through informal means because: [Explain why]

Grounds for Appeal

I am appealing this grade on the following grounds:

☐ Calculation or Recording Error

I believe there is a mathematical or recording error in my final grade calculation.

According to the syllabus, the grade breakdown is:

Based on my calculation, my final percentage is [X%], which corresponds to a grade of [letter grade] according to the syllabus grading scale.

The discrepancy appears to be: [Explain specific error]

☐ Deviation from Syllabus/Grading Policy

The instructor deviated from the grading criteria or policies stated in the syllabus.

Syllabus stated: [Quote relevant syllabus language]

What actually occurred: [Describe what happened differently]

Impact on my grade: [Explain how this affected your grade]

☐ Arbitrary or Capricious Grading

The grade I received is not based on the stated grading criteria and appears to be arbitrary or capricious.

Specifically: [Explain with concrete examples]

Evidence: [Reference attached documentation]

☐ Inconsistent Treatment

I was graded differently than other students in the class for the same or similar work.

Specifically: [Describe the inconsistency with specific examples]

☐ Discrimination or Bias

I believe my grade was affected by discrimination based on: [race, sex, religion, disability, national origin, etc.]

Specifically: [Describe the discriminatory conduct]

Note: If you believe you experienced discrimination, you may also wish to file a complaint with the Title IX office, Office of Civil Rights, or diversity/equity office.

☐ Missing or Misattributed Grades

One or more of my assignments was not properly graded or recorded.

Evidence of submission: [Describe - email timestamp, learning management system record, etc.]

☐ Other: [Specify]

[Describe the basis for your appeal]

Detailed Statement

[Provide a clear, factual, chronological narrative of the situation. Include:]

Course Background:
I enrolled in [Course Name] during the [term] to [fulfill a requirement / pursue my interest in the subject]. Throughout the semester, I [describe your engagement - attended regularly, completed assignments, sought help when needed, etc.].

Academic Performance:
My performance on individual assignments and exams was as follows:
[Describe your performance, referencing specific grades on specific assignments]

The Issue:
[Describe what happened that led to this appeal. Be specific about dates, communications, and facts.]

Why the Grade Is Incorrect:
[Explain specifically why you believe the assigned grade does not reflect your performance]

Impact:
This grade affects my [GPA / scholarship eligibility / financial aid / ability to graduate / admission to program / other consequences].

Supporting Documentation

I am attaching the following documents in support of this appeal:

☐ Course syllabus
☐ My grade calculations
☐ Copies of graded assignments
☐ Screenshots from learning management system (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.)
☐ Email correspondence with instructor
☐ Notes from meetings with instructor
☐ Witness statements (if applicable)
☐ Other: ________________________________________________

Requested Resolution

I respectfully request:

☐ Review and correction of my final grade to [letter grade]
☐ Re-grading of specific assignment(s): [specify which]
☐ Explanation of how my grade was calculated
☐ Other: ________________________________________________

Conclusion

I have made every effort to resolve this matter directly with [Professor's Name] before filing this formal appeal. I believe the evidence clearly demonstrates that my assigned grade does not accurately reflect my academic performance in this course.

I am prepared to meet with you or the grade appeal committee to discuss this matter further. Please contact me at [email] or [phone] at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________
[Your Signature]

_________________________________
[Your Printed Name]

_________________________________
[Date]

Enclosures

1. Course syllabus
2. Grade calculation worksheet
3. [List each additional document]

Appeal Process Timeline (Typical)

Timelines vary by institution. Check your school's specific policy.

Tips for a Successful Appeal

DO:

• Be factual and objective
• Focus on evidence, not emotions
• Reference specific assignments, dates, and policies
• Keep copies of everything
• Meet all deadlines
• Be professional and respectful
• Provide clear documentation

DON'T:

• Attack the instructor personally
• Complain about workload or difficulty
• Compare yourself to other students without evidence
• Make accusations without proof
• Submit an appeal after the deadline
• Skip required steps (like meeting with instructor first)

If Your Appeal Is Denied

Options may include:

1. Accept the Decision: Move forward and focus on future courses

2. Appeal to Higher Authority: Most schools allow escalation to:
   - Dean's office
   - Academic Appeals Committee
   - Provost's office (final level)

3. Request a Hearing: Some schools offer formal hearings with student representation

4. Seek an Incomplete: If there are extenuating circumstances, request an "Incomplete" to finish work

5. Consult Student Advocacy: Many schools have student ombudsman or advocacy offices

Sample Grade Calculation Worksheet

Syllabus Grading Scale:
| Percentage | Grade |
|------------|-------|
| 93-100% | A |
| 90-92% | A- |
| 87-89% | B+ |
| 83-86% | B |
| 80-82% | B- |
| [Continue as per syllabus] | |

My calculated percentage: _____%
Grade I should receive: _____
Grade I received: _____
Discrepancy: _____

Resources

• Your Institution's Registrar: [Check for grade appeal policies and forms]
• Student Ombudsman Office: [If your school has one]
• Dean of Students Office: [For student advocacy]
• Academic Advising: [For guidance on implications]

Disclaimer

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Grade appeal policies and procedures vary significantly by institution. Always review your specific school's policies before filing an appeal. Strict deadlines typically apply. This template should be adapted to comply with your institution's requirements.