2025-2026 General Catalog

Grade Appeals

Faculty are responsible for the awarding of course grades. The learner is expected to contact the course instructor immediately to discuss concerns about a grade. If the issue is not resolved informally, the learner can submit a formal Grade Appeal form.

This policy and procedure allows learners to appeal only final course grades.

The basis for a grade appeal is limited to the following reasons: (a) violation of university policy, (b) violation of course policy, or (c) questions regarding the accuracy and/or fairness of an assessment. The written appeal must include the reason(s) for appealing the grade and provide documentation supporting the appeal. The final grade on the learner record could be lower, higher, or the same as the grade initially appealed.

Level 1 Appeal:

  • A grade appeal must be submitted to GradeAppeal@calsouthern.edu. The written appeal must be submitted within one week following receipt of the final grade and must include the reason(s) for appealing the grade and provide documentation supporting the appeal (if applicable).
  • The instructor of record will review the appeal and issue a decision.

Level 2 Appeal:

  • The decision made by the instructor of record may be appealed to the Dean/designee within one week following Level 1 decision notification.
  • A Level 2 grade appeal must be submitted to GradeAppeal@calsouthern.edu. Learners must include the correspondence and decision documentation from the Level 1 appeal.
  • The Dean or their designee shall render a decision. This decision is final and cannot be appealed further.