Appealing a Grade

There are 2 valid criteria for changing a grade. The first is to correct a mistake either in the computation or the reporting of a grade. The second is through a formal appeal process.

Clerical or Procedural Error in Reporting a Grade

If you believe your instructor submitted an incorrect grade because of a clerical (computational, for example) or procedural error, please speak directly with your instructor. Faculty members can make grade changes through communication directly with the Records Office. Note that all grades except an I or an IP are considered final and can only be changed when there has been a computational or procedural error in the original assignment of a grade. A grade may not be changed as the result of re-evaluation of your work.

Appealing a Grade

If you believe that your instructor has used non-academic criteria, e.g. your race, religion, gender or politics, in assigning your grade, you can appeal the grade. Begin the process by speaking with your instructor and/or the student ombudsperson. Your next step is to try to resolve the issue by speaking with the department chair. If you cannot resolve your dispute informally, there is a formal procedure you can follow that is outlined in the UC Berkeley Catalog.