Academic Appeal Form
Understanding Academic Autonomy Instructors have full authority to determine their course policies, teaching approach, and grading procedures. The university will only change an instructor’s academic decision in rare cases—specifically, when there is evidence that the instructor did not follow Policy 4002.2.3.1 (Standards of Conduct - Faculty Responsibilities to Students).
Use This Academic Appeal Process If...
- Issues with how grading procedures were applied.
- Deviations from stated course policies
- Unfair graduate committee or practicum/internship evaluations.
- Other academic activities significantly impacting your grades or degree progress.
Do NOT Use This Process For...
- Disability Accommodations: If you are dealing with the implementation or denial of accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
- Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct: These must be addressed through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.
A student may file an academic grievance if they believe that an instructor, academic supervisor, or committee member has not met their responsibilities to students as described in section 4002.2.3.1.
An academic grievance can involve concerns such as how grading procedures were applied, whether course policies were followed, decisions made by graduate committees, practicum or internship evaluations, or other academic activities that significantly impact a student’s grades, record, or progress toward their degree.
This process is not intended to address concerns related to disability-related accommodations, discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Concerns involving the implementation or denial of disability accommodations should be directed to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) through its established resolution processes. Allegations of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct should be addressed through the University’s Civil Rights and Title IX processes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for submitting an academic appeal
- Step 1: Attempt Informal Resolution First. Before submitting an academic appeal students must first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the instructor, and then escalate to the Department Head if an agreement cannot be reached. Students are encouraged to document these attempts to resolve the situation with the instructor and department head.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Materials. If resolution can’t be reached with the instructor and department head, students should draft a narrative of the situation and efforts to resolve with the instructor. Students should also gather any supporting evidence (syllabus, email exchanges, graded assignments, screenshots) ready to upload.
- Step 3: Submit Your Appeal. Students should utilize the service now form to submit their formal academic appeal. Students will need to log in using their A# and password.
(You will be prompted to log in using your secure USU credentials. You can save your progress and upload all supporting documents directly within the portal.)