Grade Appeal

Grade appeal policy and procedure

In accordance with The University Handbook/ UW Policy Directory (Chapter 110.2), UW Bothell outlines the following procedures for the Written Appeal of Grade Error:

A student who believes they have been improperly graded first discusses the matter with the instructor. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor’s explanation, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean or their designee with a copy of the appeal also to the instructor. The Dean or designee consults with the instructor to ensure that the evaluation of the student’s performance has not been arbitrary or capricious. Should the Dean or designee believe the instructor’s conduct to be arbitrary or capricious, and the instructor declines to revise the grade, the Dean or designee, with the approval of the voting members of the faculty, shall appoint an appropriate member, or members, of the faculty of that department, to evaluate the performance of the student and assign a grade. The Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs should be informed of this action.

Once a student submits a written appeal, this document, and all subsequent actions on this appeal, are recorded in written form for deposit in a department or college file.

The School of Nursing & Health Studies procedure for students appealing a grade they believe was assigned in error is as follows:

  • A grade appeal must take place before the end of the following quarter (not including Summer Quarter).
  • Students may consult with a program advisor or Director of Academic Services at any time to discuss the steps of the Grade Appeal Procedure and how to move toward resolution.
  • The student shall first seek resolution to the grade dispute in conversation with their instructor by scheduling an appointment to discuss the issue. The instructor may require a written request for reevaluation and justification of the grade appeal. The conversation may be in person, by phone, or by email, depending on the student’s preference. If a resolution is not found in this step, then the Associate Dean is the next step to examine the written evidence and ascertain the facts of the previous discussion to help mediate a resolution.
  • If the student-faculty meeting does not result in resolution, the student may appeal the grade by writing to the Dean within 5 days of the meeting with faculty. A copy of this appeal shall also be sent to the instructor.
  • The Dean consults with the instructor to ensure that the evaluation of the student’s performance has not been arbitrary or capricious. Should the Dean believe the instructor’s conduct to be arbitrary or capricious, and the instructor declines to revise the grade, the Dean, with the approval of the voting members of the faculty, shall appoint an appropriate member of the faculty to evaluate the performance of the student and assign a grade. The Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs shall be informed of this action.

Approved by Elected Faculty Council (EFC): 10/29/2025 and Approved by the School Dean: 11/13/2025

Updated November 2025