Senate presents bills to clarify academic appeals

Brenda Koerner, chair of academic affairs and associate professor of biological sciences, presented two bills to the senate to clarify the academic appeals process during their Nov. 6 meeting.

“This bill (Modification to Academic Appeals Description) does two things,” Koerner said. “It expands the description of what times of instances can be appealed when using the academic appeals policy. It also moves the location of the academic appeals policy.”

Currently the policy falls under “Classroom Instruction,” and the subheading of “Grades.”

“I’ve been told by several entities that they often use this policy, but it’s a little nebulous as to whether they really should be using this policy since it is under the grades section, so this just expands those instances,” Koerner said. 

Koerner presented a second bill, “Modification to Academic Appeals Policy.”

According to the bill’s rationale, “it is not clear if the academic appeals that are not for a grade in a single course can use this policy. The language changes do not change the appeals process, but rather clarify that this policy should be used for any appeals that impact a student’s academic record or standing.” 

There was no discussion on either of the bills. 

“Well I would encourage everyone to read through it. The changes are minor,” said Steve Lovett, Faculty Senate president and assistant professor of business administration. “Share it with your colleagues so they get a chance to read it.” 

The bills will be voted on during the next Faculty Senate meeting at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Skyline Room.