Course Catalog (2009-2010)

2009-2010 Course Catalog: Appeals Information

Appeal of Policy

Students appealing the application of a TMCC policy or procedure should begin the process by completing the "Student Appeals Form" and filing it with the admissions and records office (through the Starting Point on the first floor of the Red Mountain Building). Appeals will be accepted for review if students begin the process within six (6) months from the date of occurrence or six (6) months from when it could be reasonably assumed that the student was aware of the occurrence.

The student appeals board consists of the affirmative action officer or the designee of the president as chair, three faculty members, one counselor, two administrators, and one student. Departmental consultants attending meetings will be non-voting participants. The board meets monthly, or more frequently as needed, to hear appeals and recommend action to the vice president who has final authority.

The student appeals board reviews appeals which deal with processes outlined in the college catalog with the exception of the following: affirmative action issues, classroom or departmental procedures, disciplinary issues, financial aid appeals or grade change issues. To initiate an appeal for one of these issues, the student should contact the following:

  • Affirmative action appeal - contact the affirmative action officer and follow guidelines listed in Board of Regents Handbook
  • Classroom or departmental procedures - contact the appropriate department
  • Disciplinary issues - contact the associate dean of student support services
  • Financial aid appeals - contact the financial aid department
  • Grade change issues - contact the instructor and follow the procedures outlined in the TMCC Catalog

Appeal of Class Grade

Grade appeals begin with the student and instructor of the class. If the appeal is not settled with the instructor, the student must complete a formal "appeal form" and forward it to the chair or program coordinator of the appropriate academic department or school. Instructors have the responsibility and authority to establish standards and criteria for awarding grades in their classes. However, if there is some tangible evidence that an improper class grade was given, a student who wishes to appeal the grade must do so within 90 days of the official ending date of the class. Students appealing a grade should be able to provide all tests, papers and other evidence they may have to support their appeal. If the grade appeal is not resolved with the chair, it will be forwarded to the appropriate instructional dean. The dean's decision will be final.