Academic Mediation: Appealing a Grade

Students may appeal grades and evaluations on procedural grounds. That is, they may question whether the grade was awarded fairly, according to clear standards, and in a manner consistent with Earlham's stated practices. An appeal should begin with a conversation between student and instructor. If this discussion leads to no conclusion, the student, possibly along with her or his adviser, should contact the Associate Academic Dean. The Associate Academic Dean may advise the student on the merits of the case and shall, at the request of the student, mediate between student and instructor. This may occur in a meeting among all parties or in separate meetings of the Associate Academic Dean with each party. Sometimes the Associate Academic Dean may recuse her/himself and refer the case to another Associate Dean of Academic Administration.

If this mediation does not lead to a result agreeable to the parties, either or both may request a mediation hearing before an ad hoc Academic Mediation Board. The Associate Academic Dean (or her/his designee) shall convene a board, comprising two faculty members and two students. The Associate Academic Dean shall choose the two faculty members and invite the student members from a short list prepared by Student Government. Either the student appellant or the faculty member under appeal may reject nominations to the Board. Board hearings shall be recorded during the presentation and discussion of evidence with all parties present. The Board will meet in executive session for deliberation.

The Board will review the documents of the case and listen to both parties. It will then meet by itself and frame a recommendation. The Board shall consider itself charged to act equitably and in the interest of both parties as it seeks to determine if grading procedures were somehow faulty and if a remedy is feasible. By Earlham's bylaws, grading is in the province of the Faculty, and a Board's recommendation may not infringe on the academic freedom of the instructor.

If the Board finds itself unable to reach a consensus, or if either party is unwilling to accept the recommendation of the Board or the other party's response to it, then the Associate Academic Dean shall confer with the Academic Dean and the Clerk of the Faculty to devise a way forward.

Changing Academic Advisers

Students can change academic advisers when they have decided upon a major or find a faculty member with whom they are excited to work as they advance through their academic career.