Academic integrity and grading disputes

Student code of conduct

All ASU students are required to comply with the student code of conduct. Violations of the ASU student code of conduct (other than the provision concerning academic dishonesty) are generally considered inappropriate behavior.

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities reviews and sanctions these matters. If a student violates both the academic integrity provision and additional provisions of the student code of conduct, both the college and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will review the matter. Each independently makes determinations concerning violations and appropriate sanctions.

Grade grievance

Students who are unsatisfied with a course grade are allowed to file a grievance. Each unit or department can set their own policy and procedures. The grade grievance procedure outlines the procedural steps that must be followed by any student seeking to appeal a grade in a course offered by the Herberger Institute. This process does not address academic integrity allegations, faculty misconduct or discrimination. This process provides a transparent outline of what steps the student can expect and how their grievance will be heard and evaluated.

All Herberger Institute courses

For courses only from the following departments:

ADE, ALA, AME, ARA, ARC, ARE, APH, ARS, ART, ATE, DCE, DSC, EDS, FSH, FMP, GRA, HDA, IND, INT, IVD, LAP, LDE, MDC, MHL, MSC, MTC, MUE, MUP, MUS, THE, THF, THP

Student Grade Appeal Process

Grade appeals must be processed during the regular semester immediately following the issuance of the disputed grade, no later than commencement for fall or spring semesters. Appeals cannot be processed during summer months or university vacation periods. This process applies regardless of whether the student is currently enrolled at the university.

The appeal process consists of two stages: the School Process and the College/Institute Process. Each stage includes specific steps, all of which must be followed sequentially.

School Process

1. Faculty Consultation:
   The student must first attempt to resolve the issue by consulting with the faculty member involved. It is essential to save all relevant information and documentation.
2. Director or Senior Faculty Petition:
   If the issue remains unresolved, the student should petition either the school director or the senior faculty member leading the discipline for assistance.
3. Formal Grievance:
   If the matter is still unresolved, the student may proceed to the formal grievance process.

College Grievance Process

1. Filing a Formal Complaint:
   The student must file a complaint using the Academic Affairs Report form. This starts a grade grievance case with the Associate Dean for Students and Academic Programs or the Academic Integrity Office (AIO) of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
2. Required Information:
   The complaint should include the following:
   1. Heading:
      • Student name and ASU ID number
      • Course number, title, and 5-digit class number
      • Year, term, and session (A, B, or C) of the course
      • Instructor’s name
   2. Formal Statement (Word or PDF format):
      • Explanation of why the grade is being disputed
      • Requested remedy
      • Summary of steps taken in the school process, with supporting documents (e.g., memos, emails)
   3. Supporting Documents:
      • Upload all relevant documents (clear labels required)
      • Include formal communications from the school, the course syllabus, and any additional supporting evidence
3. Resolution Attempt:
   The Associate Dean or AIO will attempt to resolve the issue by consulting with the faculty member and/or school director.
4. Grievance Committee Referral:
   If no resolution is reached, the case will be referred to the Herberger Institute Curriculum Committee, which will form a Grievance Committee to review the case.
5. Grievance Committee Formation:
   The Grievance Committee will consist of three members appointed by the AIO: two or three faculty members from the Curriculum Committee, and/or a student representative (Herberger Institute Student Senator for undergraduates or GPSA representative for graduates). The committee will elect a faculty member to chair the proceedings.

Grievance Hearing Procedure

1. Committee Selection:
   Both the student and faculty member may request the withdrawal of one committee member due to perceived bias. Committee members may also withdraw on their own if they have conflicts of interest.
2. Document Distribution:
   All case documents will be shared with the Grievance Committee, the involved faculty member, and the school director.
3. Faculty Response:
   The faculty member must submit a written response to the Grievance Committee within 10 business days. This response will be shared with the committee, student, and Associate Dean.
4. Hearing:
   A hearing will be held within 10 business days of the faculty’s response. Both the student and faculty member will have the opportunity to present their positions in person (or via phone/Zoom if necessary).
5. Deliberation:
   After hearing both parties, the Grievance Committee will deliberate privately. The committee’s recommendation will be submitted in writing to the AIO within 5 business days.
6. Final Action:
   The AIO will consider the recommendation and take final action. The decision will be communicated to the student, faculty member, school director, registrar (if applicable), and Grievance Committee. The AIO’s decision is final.
7. Non-Participation:
   If a student fails to appear at the hearing without extraordinary circumstances, the request for a hearing will be considered abandoned.
8. Grade Changes:
   If a grade change is recommended, it will be processed by the AIO and the Dean’s office.