Grades and Change of Grades

Incomplete Grades

At the discretion of the instructor of record, a conditional grade of “I” may be issued to a student who has a passing average on all completed coursework, but for a justified reason, such as illness or death in the family or by providential hindrance, has been prevented from taking the final examination or completing other required coursework. The “I” becomes an “F” following the completion of the next long (fall or spring) semester, unless the student completes the balance of the coursework with a performance grade of “D” or higher. Re-enrollment in the course will not change the incomplete status.

Grade Changes

Grade changes are initiated by faculty. If a faculty member needs to change a student’s grade for whatever reason deemed necessary, then the faculty member may obtain the form from the Office of Admissions and Records webpage. Once completed and signed by the instructor, Department Chair, and Divisional Dean, the instructor of record submits the signed form to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Student Appeal of Course Grades

Students at TSC may appeal final course grades which they consider unfair or inaccurate. The student has a maximum of thirty (30) days from the end of the semester or term in which the final grade was issued to request a review of the grade or petition for a change of grade.

During the appeal process:

  • The burden of proof lies with the student and it is the student’s responsibility to provide evidence the grade should be changed. Unless the student demonstrates compelling evidence supporting a change of grade, the final grade issued by the faculty member responsible for the course will remain on the student’s transcript.
  • Only appeals requesting a change of grade will be accepted. Complaints must follow TSC complaint procedures.
  • Students who file frivolous appeals or who deviate from the approved process may have their appeal summarily dismissed.
  • Students must submit appeals individually; group appeals will not be considered.
  • If the student fails to comply with the designated time frames, the appeal may be summarily dismissed.

For the first step of the appeal process:

  1. The student must initiate the grade appeal process by contacting the faculty member responsible for the course. The student is required to provide notice to the faculty member that they are appealing their grade, using the approved TSC “Student Appeal of Course Grade” form. Grade appeals submitted without using the approved form will not be considered.
  2. The faculty member is required to meet with the appealing student. The faculty member may approve the appeal, deny the appeal, or work with the student to reach a solution that is agreeable to both parties. If the faculty member is no longer employed at TSC, the student will advance to Step 2 of the grade appeal process. If the faculty member is still employed at TSC, but not currently teaching, the grade appeal will be delayed until the faculty member returns to teach, if the faculty member returns no later than the next full (fall or spring) semester.
  3. Once a decision is reached by the faculty member, the faculty member will note the decision on the “Student Appeal of Course Grade” form and sign the form. The faculty member will retain a copy, and the original will be returned to the student.
  4. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of their meeting with the faculty member, the student will have ten (10) calendar days from the date of the meeting with the faculty member, as documented on the “Student Appeal of Course Grade” form, to proceed to Step 2 of the appeal process. If the student fails to comply with the designated time frame, the appeal may be summarily dismissed.

For further information regarding the next steps of the grade appeal process, please consult the Student Handbook.