COURTESY POLICY – 2016
Courteous and professional interaction about coursework and grades is expected and rewarded.
Instructors may award students up to 5 bonus points for the following:
1. Exceptional courtesy and professional interaction.
2. Respectful participation and prompt communication.
3. Outstanding and prompt attendance / participation.
4. Respect for grading procedures. Study the University Grading Policy Concerns about grades are presented during office hours with the intent to improve on future assignments.
RATIONALE
Students are expected to follow the Courtesy Policy, used in all Visual Comm courses, to foster more professional communication. Employers tell us many interns and recent graduates lose their chance for successful employment because they complain about insignificant issues. This behavior also shows up when students complain about grades. Some fight unsuccessfully for a few points, then end up losing opportunities and other unrealized benefits. These bonus “courtesy points” can compensate for minor discrepancies and subjectivity. Visual Comm instructors work together in a teaching group and use the same rubrics and grading approaches, so grading is consistent across all sections of a course.
APPEAL PROCESS
1. Wait at least 48 hours to avoid “knee jerk reactions” then discuss it with your instructor first during their office hours or by special appointment.
2. Before the meeting, read the University Grading Policy to help you assess what grade you feel you deserve.
3. Meetings about grade concerns must occur within two weeks of grade posting.
4. If the issue is not resolved, request a copy of the Appeal Form. You will need to email it to your instructor within two days after your meeting. Your work will then be graded again by other faculty and your concern will be reviewed by your instructor’s supervisor.