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Grade Appeal Process

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The Grade Appeal Process exists to provide students the opportunity to appeal their final grade.

When a student believes that their final grade in a course is inaccurate or unjustified, they must use the following procedures to appeal the grade. It is the student's responsibility to have an ongoing discussion with the instructor about the status of their grade. Sanctions for Academic Ethics violations that result in a failing course grade can only be appealed through the Academic Ethics Violations appeal process, not this grade appeal process. 

Students who wish to appeal a grade given on a specific test, essay, homework, performance, computer program project, etc., may do so by discussing the matter with the instructor who issued the grade. The grades assigned to students are the decision of the faculty and, except as outlined in the appeal process below, are final.  

Students at WCTC are responsible for knowing the information, policies, and procedures outlined in the Grade Appeal Process. 

The provisions of the Grade Appeal Process do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between enrolled or prospective students and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). WCTC reserves the right to change any of the provisions, programs, rules, or regulations articulated in the handbook whenever authorized administrators deem it is expedient to do so.

Grade Appeal Steps

Within ten calendar days from posting the final grade, the student must request to schedule a meeting with their instructor. Students will be notified by their instructor of their decision through their WCTC email account. If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the appeal and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, see Step 2.

  • The student must detail the basis for the allegation that a grade was improper and must present the relevant evidence. Documentation (e.g. graded tests, assignments, etc.) must be provided as evidence to support the claim. “I think I deserve a better grade” does not provide a basis for filing a grade appeal.
  • If the student is unable to contact the faculty member or Associate Dean, the student may seek assistance through the Student Life Office by contacting studentlife@wctc.edu or 262.691.5295.

If the student and instructor are not able to resolve the appeal and the student wishes to pursue the matter further, the student must submit a Grade Appeal Request, within seven calendar days of the date of the faculty member's decision. Documentation (e.g., graded tests, assignments, etc.) must be provided as evidence to support the claim.

  • Evidence and documentation will be reviewed to determine if any of the following grounds for changing a grade are present:
    • Inconsistent treatment
    • Procedural errors
    • Irregular or unreasonable judgments
    • Use of inappropriate criteria
  • If your request meets the criteria, the associate dean will schedule to meet individually with the student within seven calendar days. The associate dean will review the request comprehensively and investigate the appeal. The investigation may include meeting with the faculty member and/or all parties involved to resolve the grade. The student will be given the opportunity to state concerns and information related to the final course grade and to state what resolution they are looking for. The associate dean may consult with the dean prior to making a final determination.
  • The associate dean will put their decision in writing to the student via the student's WCTC student email. The decision of the associate dean is final.

The student has the right to be accompanied by another person of their choosing. The student is responsible for presenting their own information at the meeting(s), and therefore, guests are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing.