If a student believes that nonacademic criteria have been used in determining his or her grade in a course, he or she may follow the procedures described in this regulation. “Nonacademic criteria” means criteria not directly reflective of academic performance in the specified course. It includes discrimination on political grounds or for reasons of race, religion, sex, or ethnic origin.

Students may send written appeals to the Academic Council. Appeals to this committee shall be considered confidential unless both the complainant and the instructor agree otherwise.

The student shall attempt to resolve the grievance with the instructor within the first month of the following quadmester.

If the grievance is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, he or she may then attempt to resolve the grievance through written appeal to the Department Chair, who shall attempt to adjudicate the case with the instructor and the student within two weeks.

If the grievance still is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, he or she may then attempt to resolve the grievance through written appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who shall attempt to adjudicate the case with the instructor, the Department Chair, and the student within two weeks. The decision that is made by the Vice President for Academic Affairs is the final decision regarding the dispute.

These procedures are designed solely to determine whether nonacademic criteria have been used in assigning a grade, and if so, to effect a change of that grade. A reminder: no punitive actions may be taken against the instructor solely on the basis of these procedures. Neither the filing of charges nor the final disposition of the case shall, under any circumstances, become a part of the personnel file of the instructor. The use of nonacademic criteria in assigning a grade is a violation of the Faculty Code of Conduct as found in the Faculty Handbook. Sanctions against an instructor for violation of the Faculty Code may be sought by filing a complaint in accordance with the rules of State of Virginia . A complaint may be filed by the student or by interested parties.