The Justice Institute of British Columbia (the “JIBC” or the “Institute”) recognizes that a student may believe that a final grade is wrong or unfair. The purposes of this Policy are to set out JIBC and student responsibilities related to final grade appeals, as well as the process that is to be followed for the appeal of a final grade.
JIBC Responsibilities
JIBC is expected to communicate to students relevant course requirements. JIBC will ensure timely feedback to students on their classroom performance and provide opportunities for students to view submitted work and ask questions about grading. Final grade appeals will be resolved expeditiously. Course grades will not be adjusted for reasons other than the academic merit of submitted work (e.g., test, assignment, essay, practical exam, etc.) or the meeting of established requirements in practicum placements. The outcome of the grade appeal process may be a grade that is lower, stays the same, or is higher than the original grade.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to be aware of all relevant course requirements, and to seek out information in a timely manner if they become aware of any concerns or discrepancies regarding their grades. It is expected that students will discuss their concerns with their Instructor and attempt to resolve their concerns informally before commencing a formal appeal. Students who wish to pursue a formal appeal of an academic decision may do so under the process outlined in the procedures section. Students are expected to participate fully in the appeal process to ensure full consideration by the Institute.
This Policy and the accompanying Procedures 3303-001, set out the process for appealing a final grade in a JIBC course. Students in a course or program where the curriculum is subject to third party regulations may be subject to appeal procedures of the third party (e.g. recruits in post-hire programs may be subject to their employer’s appeal procedures). The grade appeal process is not meant to address concerns regarding curriculum or instruction. Appeals of a final grade made as a result of student misconduct are addressed under the Student Academic Integrity Policy or the Code of Conduct Policy, as applicable, and not the Final Grade Appeals Policy.
Dean – The administrative head of a JIBC School.
Instructor – A person employed or engaged by JIBC who is responsible for providing instruction to students or otherwise directing student learning experiences (may or may not include evaluation).
Manager – A person employed or engaged by JIBC who is responsible for managing one or more programs.
Official Student Record – As defined in JIBC’s Student Records Policy.
Registrar – The registrar of the Institute.
Student – A person the Registrar recognizes as being enrolled in a course or program of studies at the Institute.
Vice-President Academic (VPA) – The person responsible for all academic programs at the Institute.
Procedures
The procedures for dealing with a final grade appeal under this Policy are set out in Procedure 3303-001.
Student Awareness
Students are required to make themselves aware of all JIBC policies and procedures including this Final Grade Appeals Policy.
Confidentiality and Documentation
- JIBC recognizes the confidentiality interests and privacy rights of all parties involved in a final grade appeal under this Policy, and must protect personal information in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, subject to the exceptions thereunder.
- JIBC may disclose information relating to a final grade appeal in certain circumstances, including but not limited to where:
a. necessary to ensure the requirements of procedural fairness are met;
b. the sharing of personal information is required or authorized by law; or
c. the person the information is about has consented to the release of the personal information. - All persons involved in a final grade appeal under this Policy are required to keep the information relating to the appeal confidential, and are not to disclose such information except as may expressly be permitted in this Policy, in Procedure 3303-001, or as required by law.
- All documentation related to a final grade appeal under this Policy will be kept in the Official Student Record and stored in accordance with the Student Records Policy.
No Retaliation
- It is contrary to this Policy for anyone to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate against a person for:
a. filing a grade appeal under this Policy; or
b. having participated or co-operated in a grade appeal under this Policy. - Anyone who engages in such retaliation will be subject to disciplinary or corrective measures, up to and including suspension, expulsion or termination from JIBC.