If a student feels that the grade received on a learning assessment or in a course does not reflect the quality of their work, they can appeal the grade. During this process, students must not correspond with other faculty, Dean of CMSHP or other LMU officials about the disputed grade, except for their faculty advisor who can guide them on the appeal process. An alternate advisor will be assigned if the advisor and course director are the same person. Students will submit a formal written request for the grade appeal, including supporting documentation to applicable parties within 7 business days the grade or appeal decision was received. The appeal process can include up to four levels of appeal. If, at any level, the appeal is denied and the student would like to take further action, they will proceed to the next level. The appeal levels are as follows:
- First Level of Appeal: Course Director
- Second Level of Appeal: OTD Policies and Procedures Committee.
- If the faculty member named in the grievance is a member of this Committee, they will be required to recuse themselves from the Committee on the matter, and an alternate core faculty member may be added to the Committee for this matter. Faculty members of the Policies and Procedures Committee will vote on the outcome of the grade appeal (appeal denied or approved).
- Third Level of Appeal: OTD Program Director
- If the faculty member named in the grievance is the OTD Program Director, then the OTD Director of Clinical and Didactic Education will serve as the third level of appeal.
- Fourth Level of Appeal: Executive Dean of CMSHP. The decision made by the Dean is considered final.
The decision made at each appeal level will be communicated to the student via their LMU email address. The OTD Policies and Procedures Committee will monitor and track grade appeals.
Retaliation of any kind is strictly prohibited against any individual who submits an appeal in good faith. This includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, adverse academic or professional consequences, or any form of discriminatory treatment. The OTD Program ensures that all complaints and appeals are addressed respectfully, consistently, and without fear of reprisal. All records of complaints, including the nature of the complaint and its resolution are maintained by the OTD Policies and Procedures in a secure location on a secure institutional shared drive for a period of seven years.