Petitioning for Exceptions

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Academic Policies and Procedures

  • Students must submit a written petition to the Office of the Registrar and it will be forwarded to the appropriate committee chair for consideration and action.
  • The Faculty Council will act on petitions from students requesting exceptions to academic policies, graduation requirements, or reinstatement requirements for academically ineligible students.
  • The Core Curriculum Committee will act on petitions for exceptions to the core curriculum requirements.

Classroom Policies and Procedures

  • Students should first seek informal resolution with the faculty member.
  • Students may also contact the Division Dean to seek resolution. [If the faculty member is a division dean, the complaint can be filed directly with the Office of Academic Affairs.]
  • If the issue is not resolved informally the student may file a written complaint with the Office of Academic Affairs, which will appoint an independent fact finder to gather information from the student, the faculty member, and other relevant parties.
  • The decision of the VPAA is final.

Grade Appeals

Grade appeals may be lodged through official College channels only for the grade of AW (Administrative Withdrawal) or for final grades after the student has discussed the issue with the faculty member and the department chair and/or the division dean. 

  • Students must initiate the appeals process by completing the Grade Appeal Request Form, which can be found in wolf den. Appeals for the AW grade must be filed within 5 class days of the date the student was notified of the grade. Final grade appeals must be filed within the first 5 class days into the next regular semester.
  • After the appeal form is filed with the Registrar, the appeal will be considered by the Faculty Council.
  • The Faculty Council will render a decision and notify the student and the faculty member. 
  • If the student or faculty member is not satisfied with the response of the Faculty Council, they may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, who will make a final decision on the matter.

Note:  These policies do not apply to issues of academic integrity.

If the complaint/grievance is not resolved by the institution, the student may reach out to the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education at: https://che.sc.gov/sites/che/files/Documents/Institutions%20and%20Educators/Complaint_Procedures_and_Form.pdf.