Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science

Student Handbook 2011-2012

V. Department Information: Didactic Coursework

F. POLICY FOR APPEAL OF FACULTY DECISIONS AND GRADES

POLICY:
Students who disagree with faculty decisions regarding their grades or adherence to course policies may follow a formal appeals procedure. In cases of incidents of academic dishonesty, students should review the current Towson University Student Academic Integrity Policy.

PROCEDURE:
1. The student first should meet with the faculty member to discuss the concerns and attempt resolution. If a resolution is not achieved the faculty member should advise the student of the procedures for appeal.

2. If concerns remain after the meeting, the student should write a formal business letter to the faculty member (not an e-mail) requesting reconsideration of the decision, including the rationale for the request.

3. The faculty member then will respond to the student in writing. If the faculty member denies the request, the letter will include information on the next step of the appeal process (i.e., appeal to the Chairperson).

4. If the faculty member denies the appeal and the student wishes to continue to appeal, the student then would write a formal letter to the Chairperson within 5 days of receipt of the letter from the faculty member. The student should include copies of his or her letter to the faculty member and the faculty member’s response. In addition the student should copy the faculty member on the letter.

5. The Chairperson will respond to the student in writing. If the Chairperson denies the appeal and the student wishes to continue to appeal, the student then would write a formal letter to the Dean of the College of Health Professions within 5 days of receipt of the letter from the Chairperson. The student should include copies of his or her letter to the Chairperson, the Chairperson’s response, his or her letter to the faculty member, and the faculty member’s response. In addition the student should copy the faculty member and the Chairperson on the letter.

6. This appeal process, including the formal letter to the Dean of the College of Health Professions, must be completed no later than the end of the semester following the one in which the grade was received.

These procedures are consistent with University procedures regarding appeals.


Revised 6/8/11
Formatting updated 1/10/11