BY: Jessica Alldredge
Virtual learning has thrown many curve balls at students this year. Professors are learning how to adapt, students are learning how to manage and internet companies are learning how to keep up. We’re all learning together.
Unfortunately, one thing that falls to the wayside is personal interaction where you can talk to your professor face-to-face, mask or no mask. While some colleges still have very large class sizes, some classes at AUM have the luxury of having small class sizes. With this being the case, it’s easier to create that relationship with your professor at AUM than at some larger schools.
Because of COVID-19 and virtual learning, however, personal interaction is limited if not impossible. There are still some classes where the only interaction you’ll have with a professor is through Blackboard or stiff formal emails. So, what happens when you turn in an assignment and you don’t get the grade you were hoping for?
It’s not fun to contest a grade in normal circumstances, but it’s even less so trying to contest it during the current time we’re in. Dr. Hilary Gamble, Assistant Professor for the Communication and Theatre Department at AUM, was kind enough to offer some advice about contesting a grade.
“If you want a professor to take you seriously when you complain about a grade, you will want to be timely, professional, and make sure you can back up all of your arguments with evidence,” said Dr. Gamble. When you as a student believe a grade to be wrongfully determined, you need to handle it in a mature and formal way. It isn’t easy, but you’re an adult. You can handle it. If it’s really serious, be prepared to defend your claim and show a paper trail.
As a professor, Dr. Gamble outlines her procedure for grade complaints in her outline: “After [a] waiting period, students should be sure they contact me within 1-2 weeks of receiving the grade.” She explained that waiting later than that time frame may look like a student is seeking to increase their semester grade rather than just contesting a single assignment grade.
Oftentimes, if the grade was given by mistake, professors can simply change the grade after reviewing the student’s arguments and evidence. If the student misunderstood as to why the grade was given or how an assignment was graded, the professor may choose to explain to the student why they believe the grade is justified. While there may be some differences, it’s safe to assume that most professors handle this issue similarly.
What happens when it’s not this simple? What about when meeting to discuss a grade just isn’t possible? What should you do if your professor is unwilling to change the grade, yet you still believe that you didn’t deserve the grade you got?
Go to the Department Chair.
It sounds bigger, more intimidating and scarier than it actually is. In reality, it’s as simple as writing an email. Be prepared to provide evidence and back up what you’re claiming. Do your research, and pour through the syllabus, instructions and information your professor provided.
Often, the Department Chair is there to help the department run smoothly. They’re there to help when the usual steps don’t work. The Chair can help in deciding whether or not a formal grievance should be filed. It isn’t always the case that you’ll need to involve the Department Chair, and doing so does not guarantee that you’ll receive the desired outcome.
You need to be open about why you think the grade is unfair and be able to provide a sound argument to back it up. You are in control of your education, and you have the ability to contest an unfair grade. Remember that going to your advisor for help is always an option if you feel you can’t tackle it on your own.
In this age of virtual learning, when communication can easily break down, it’s important to know how you can help yourself. Contesting a grade may not always lead to the outcome you expect, but at least you’ll know what to do if it comes up. As long as you handle an issue like this in a professional and mature fashion, you’ll be just fine.