Fairness

If a student questions the grade received in a course, the student should attempt to resolve the problem with the instructor. If the student is not satisfied, the student should discuss the issue with the chair of the department in which the course is offered. If the issue is not resolved, the student should see the dean or associate dean of the college in which the course is offered. If all previous actions fail, the student should contact the Presidential Appointee to the Fairness Committee by calling 510-885-3716 (the Academic Programs and Graduate Studies Office). If the student is a candidate for a degree, the student should notify the graduation evaluator that a question is pending resolution. Remember, once a degree has been posted, no grade changes will be recorded.

Fairness Committee

This is the recourse to resolve serious cases of alleged academic unfairness or discrimination. After every effort by all parties to resolve the dispute has been ineffective, the student should discuss the case with the President's appointee to the Fairness Committee. The Presidential Appointee will assist in exhausting all normal channels and, if necessary, in filing a formal complaint. The student should submit the complaint and supporting documentation to the Academic Programs and Graduate Studies Student Services Office (Warren Hall 877). The Fairness Committee will review the documentation and the response(s) filed by the other parties involved in the dispute. If the committee finds possible grounds for a grievance, a Hearing Panel will be convened to hear the case. Under normal circumstances, the student must file the case before the end of the quarter following the quarter in which the alleged incident took place.

The Fairness Committee is empowered to change a grade in accordance with the Fairness Document and to assign a grade in cases where the instructor may have assigned an unfair academic grade. In cases where the instructor is unable to assign course grades, the Fairness Committee is authorized to ensure the grades are assigned by other qualified faculty. The Fairness Committee is authorized to change a grade only after it has conducted a proper review of the case.

More information is available from the Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies (Warren Hall 859; Tel. 510-885-3716).