Grade Changes
The instructor of the course shall determine the grade to be awarded. The determination of the student’s grade by the instructor is final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency. “Mistake” may include, but is not limited to errors made by an instructor in calculating a student’s grade and clerical errors. “Fraud” may include, but is not limited to inaccurate recording or change of grade by any person who gains access to grade records without authorization.
The removal or change of an incorrect grade from a student’s record shall only be done pursuant to Education Code 76232 or by an alternate method that ensures that each student shall be afforded an objective and reasonable review of the requested grade change.
If the procedure requires that a student first request a grade change from the instructor, provisions shall be made to allow another faculty member to substitute for the instructor, if the student has filed a discrimination complaint, if the instructor is not available or where the district determines that it is possible that there may have been gross misconduct by the original instructor.
Grades may not be changed for any reason or any circumstances after 36 months from the end of the term in which the grade was assigned.
In case of fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, the final determination concerning removal/change of grade will be made by the College President after consultation with the President of the Academic Senate or his/her designee. (SBCCD Administrative Procedure 4231)
Student Grade Appeals
According to California Education Code, Section 76224(a), when grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student’s grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence, shall be final. This means that no individual at the college has the authority to change a grade unless persuasive evidence is presented indicating mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetence on the instructor’s part.
Informal Appeal Process
Formal Appeal Process