Academic grievance policy

The following academic grievance policy was designed by Lynn University to afford students an opportunity to formally grieve academic related complaints. A student who wishes to file a grievance of a non-academic nature should follow the on-academic grievance policy in Lynn University's policies.

Grade review grievances

A student who has reason to believe that a grading error has occurred in any class shall promptly submit the grievance in accordance with the procedures outlined in the University’s grade review process.

The procedures outlined in the grade review process should also be followed if the student believes that a grade was determined by standards improperly different from those applied to other students in the course. Student should be aware, however, that evaluation of student performance is the prerogative and responsibility of the course instructor. In questions relating to the quality of that performance, the professional judgment of the faculty member is commonly accepted as authoritative. An appeal is most likely to result in a change of grade for a course or assignment only if it includes documented evidence that there was an error in computing the grade, a posting/clerical error, or that the grade was determined by standards improperly different from those applied to other students in the course.

Grade review process

A student’s request for review of a final course grade may be submitted during the first three weeks of the following term and only on the basis of computational error. The process is as follows:

The student is to request a meeting with the instructor who determined the grade and present the evidence of the error. The instructor may change the grade if deemed appropriate or reaffirm the original grade.

If the student wishes to pursue an additional review, a written request with all supporting documents may be submitted to the college dean within seven days of the meeting with the course instructor. If an agreement cannot be reached, the student and/or the instructor may appeal within seven days and in writing, to the Office of Academic Affairs, where a final decision will be rendered.

For a disputed grade, other than the final grade, the student is to first meet with his/her instructor. Then should the student want to continue in the appeal process, he/she is to meet with the college dean by submitting a written statement within seven working days from the date of the student’s notification of the grade in dispute. The Dean's decision will be final.

Note: If a student feels unfairly treated or with bias by an instructor, the student should report the matter to the college dean immediately.

Classroom procedures and other academic grievances

These procedures should be used to appeal or resolve disputes concerning other academic related decisions considered by a student to be arbitrary or contrary to University policy, including but not limited to, classroom issues (i.e., attendance, failure to adhere to the Course Syllabus, etc.) or issues pertaining to academic freedom rights. Appeals pertaining to academic integrity and satisfactory academic progress follow separate procedures as outlined in the Lynn University’s Academic Integrity and Minimum Academic Requirements policies, respectively. Online or distance education students may find additional information regarding the grievance process for online and distance education through the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

Students wishing to pursue an appeal or resolve disputed grades under this section should first arrange a conference to discuss the appeal or grievance with the faculty member(s) whose action is believed to have violated University policy, within seven days of the incident. It is expected that all of the parties involved at each step of the appeals/grievance process will make a good faith effort to resolve the issues.

In the event that a student feels he/she has not received adequate satisfaction from the discussion with the faculty member involved, the student may submit a written request with all supporting documents to the college dean within seven days of meeting with the course instructor.

If an agreement satisfactory to the student and/or instructor cannot be reached as a result of the appeal to the college dean, the student and/or the instructor may appeal the matter in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs, within seven days, where a final decision will be rendered.