Grade Appeal Request

Students are responsible for meeting the academic performance standards for each course in which they are enrolled. The course instructor is responsible for the establishment of the criteria for grades and the consistent evaluation of student academic performance. However, where there are no related allegations of academic misconduct against the student, a student has the right to appeal grades for a particular assignment/exam/course.

These appeals are submitted via the Highland Community College website using the form below.

The grade appeal procedure is NOT a review of the faculty’s grading method. The grade appeal procedure is available only for the review of allegedly capricious grading.

Capricious grading, as the term is used here, consists only of any of the following:

• The assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than documented performance in the course.
• Applying more stringent or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the course.
• A substantial departure from the instructor’s previously stated (written) standards.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs (for academic courses) or the Vice President of Technical Education (for technical courses) serves as the evaluator. The evaluator reviews all materials from the student and instructor. Within 10 working days, emailed notification is sent to the student of the decision to uphold the grade as posted or change the grade. If a grade change is necessary, the evaluator submits the change to the Registrar.

(This information is provided in the HCC Catalog under Academic Standards --> Grade Appeal. Updated 7/2026)