• Home
  • Aggie Code of Honor
  • Rules
    • Part I: Academic Rules (Rules 1 – 22 & 61)
    • Part II: Student Life Rules (Rules 23 – 44)
    • Part III: Student Grievance Procedures (Rules 45 – 60)
  • Appendixes
  • Students’ Rights
  • Recent Rule Changes
  • Review Committee Minutes
  • Search Our Site
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Student Rules
Texas A&M University

Student Rules

Texas A&M University

Menu
Texas A&M University

Student Rules

Texas A&M University

Header Right

  • Home
  • Aggie Code of Honor
  • Rules
    • Part I: Academic Rules (Rules 1 – 22 & 61)
    • Part II: Student Life Rules (Rules 23 – 44)
    • Part III: Student Grievance Procedures (Rules 45 – 62)
    • Appendices
  • Students’ Rights
  • Recent Rule Changes
  • Review Committee Minutes

48. Grade Disputes

(Revised: 2015)

 

The decision as to which procedure to utilize for a grievance filed by a student shall be made solely by the university and shall be based on the fact pattern of each particular case. Each grievance shall be directed to a specific procedure and shall be accorded only one opportunity to be adjudicated unless the appeal body remands for further review.

48.1 Rules

The instructor of the class is the primary authority with respect to a student’s proficiency and final grade in that course. Final grade determination shall be consistent with Student Rule 10 Grading.

48.2 Scope

A student may appeal an adverse decision concerning a final grade on the grounds that the respondent’s decision was arbitrary, capricious or prejudicial. In the appeal process, the burden of proof shall be upon the student.

48.3 Definitions

In this rule, the following words have the following definitions and no other:

“Adverse decision” means a decision by a faculty member or administrator that negatively impacts the student and for which the student wishes to pursue a grievance under this rule.

“Arbitrary” means no reasonable factual basis for reaching the conclusion or taking the action.

“Capricious” means unpredictable and subject to whim.

“Faculty” means an individual holding a position in which the primary title includes the word “professor,” “instructor,” “lecturer,” or “librarian” regardless of other rank of appointment qualifiers associated with the title. Appointments with the word “dean” or “provost” with or without a specified faculty rank higher than assistant professor are normally tenured faculty appointments.

“Final Grade” means a grade assigned by the instructor at the end of an academic term as defined in Student Rule 10 Grading. This does not include other grade designations of I, X, Q, W, and NG.

“May” means a condition that is not required to be met; it is discretionary. Contrast “shall.”

“Prejudicial” means irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual. This does not include hostility on the basis of any legally protected status that is addressed through Student Rules 45 – 47.

“Respondent” means the faculty member, instructor, or administrator who made the decision.

“Shall” means a condition that must be met. Contrast “may.”

“Student” means an individual undergraduate student enrolled at the university who is the subject of an adverse academic decision.

48.4 Grievance Procedures

48.4.1 This process does not apply to academic misconduct cases. Academic misconduct cases are appealed in the Aggie Honor System Office.

48.4.3 An undergraduate student who believes that his or her final grade reflects a capricious, arbitrary, or prejudiced academic evaluation must follow the resolution procedures and deadlines as described in Student Rule 57 Undergraduate Academic Appeals Panel.

48.4.4 A graduate or professional student who believes that his or her final grade reflects a capricious, arbitrary, or prejudiced academic evaluation must follow the resolution procedures and deadlines described in Student Rule 59 Graduate Academic Appeals Panel.

Propose a Student Rule Revision

Site Footer

Division of Student Affairs

1256 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-1256

(979) 845-4728
(979) 845-3320 fax
vpsa@tamu.edu

Quick Links

  • Aggie Honor System Office
  • Student Conduct Office
  • TAMU Rules & SAPs
  • TAMU System Policies
  • State of Texas
  • Statewide Search
  • State Link Policy
  • Site Policy
  • Open Records
  • Texas Veterans Portal
  • Texas CREWS (PDF)
  • Webmaster
  • Give to Student Affairs

Copyright 2023 • Student Rules | Texas A&M University • All Rights Reserved. • Hosted by Division of Student Affairs Department of IT