Purdue streamlines, clarifies grade appeals process
Purdue has recently adopted important modifications to its grade appeals process, aimed at enhancing efficiency, clarity and consistency.
Purdue is streamlining its grade appeals process to offer students a more efficient and transparent way to address academic disputes. The revised system, which took effect Sept. 18, is designed to deliver faster resolutions, clearer guidelines and a more consistent handling of appeals.
Heather Servaty-Seib, senior associate vice provost for Teaching and Learning, said the changes will help ensure a more direct and manageable process. Servaty-Seib helped facilitate a small task force (with representatives from Purdue Senate’s Educational Policy and Grade Appeals committees as well as the OSRR) to review existing processes and make recommendations. Task Force members who worked on policy revisions and procedures to support the new policy include:
- Eric Kvam, Former Chair of the Educational Policy Committee
- Steve Elliott, Associate Dean for Academic Programs in PPI
- Rebecca Johnson, Former Chair of the University Grade Appeals Committee
- Ryan Reeves, Current Chair of the University Grade Appeals Committee
- Jeff Stefancic, Associate Dean of Students, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Maggie Reisdorf, Assistant Dean of Students, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Amanda Ward, Student Affairs Specialist, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Servaty-Seib said the group realized early on that the previous system was multi-layered, with risk for inconsistencies across different colleges and decisions that could be delayed for months. “Our goal was to create a more straightforward path for students and instructors such that grade disputes can be resolved more efficiently and effectively,” she said.
One of the major recommendations from the task force was the centralization of the appeals process under the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR). This change is designed to minimize delays and ensure a consistent approach to handling appeals. “OSRR will oversee all appeals, which allows us to maintain uniformity and contribute the team’s expertise at managing logistics,” noted Stefancic, associate dean of students.
Another key change is the formalization of the department head’s role in the appeals process. Previously, department heads were involved informally, but under the new system, they will make formal decisions and provide written rationales. This adjustment aims to ensure that the content of grade appeals are reviewed with appropriate oversight and accountability.
“The department heads will now be the first formal step in the appeals process,” said Ward, OSSR student affairs specialist. “They will make a decision and document their reasoning, which enhances transparency and ensures that each appeal is considered with necessary seriousness.”
Additionally, the University Grade Appeals Committee will now report to the Educational Policy Committee of the University Senate rather than Faculty Affairs. This change aligns the appeals process with academic policy oversight and underscores its importance as an academic issue rather than a disciplinary one. The regulations governing grade appeals have also been moved from the Student Conduct Regulations to the Academic Regulations, reinforcing this academic focus.
The revamped process addresses several key concerns raised by students and instructors. As former chair of the University Grade Appeals Committee, Rebecca Johnson noted that students had expressed frustration over the lengthy and opaque nature of the previous system. “Students were particularly concerned about the time it took to resolve appeals,” she said. “With the new process endorsed by the EPC, there will be tighter timelines and more streamlined procedures, which should significantly reduce waiting periods and improve clarity.”
The updated process will feature a single, user-friendly website for grade appeals, consolidating information that was previously found across multiple college sites. This centralization aims to make it easier for students to find the information they need and understand their rights in the appeals process.
The new grade appeals process became effective Sept. 18. To ensure students are informed, academic advisors will play a key role in communicating the changes. Additionally, all college-level grade appeal websites are being retired, replaced by a unified platform that simplifies the process for students.
The EPC will continue to evaluate the new process over time, seeking feedback from students, faculty, department heads, associate and assistant deans and also OSRR staff. The committee will be guided by feedback and constructive suggestions to further improve the process.
Andrea Mattingly
Director of Communication for Teaching and Learning, andrea@purdue.edu