Undergraduate Grade Complaints

The steps for grieving a grade at the University of Cincinnati are outlined in the Student Grievance Procedures booklet which is available in the Ombuds Office or in your college office. 

• If you believe there has been an error in the grade you received or that you have been graded unfairly, you must first speak with your professor to try to resolve the disagreement. 

• If this is not successful, you must speak with the department head of the department in which you took the course.  

• If the complaint is still unresolved, you may contact the Ombuds Office to request mediation. Our office will try to resolve the complaint with your professor on an informal basis.  

• If mediation is not successful or if you decide you do not want to mediate, you may file a formal grievance. Fill out the back page of the Student Grievance  Procedures booklet entitled,  “Statement of Grievance Form.”   

• Include a detailed version of your complaint to attach to the grievance form. Be clear about the circumstances involved in the complaint and include appropriate documentation.  

• The grievance should be filed in the college where you took the course which may not be your home college.  

• You must file the grievance in the college office no later than the last day of the quarter following the quarter in which the complaint arose.  

• Once filed, the college will contact you with a list of committee members and a date for a hearing. Do not expect an immediate response as it will take time for the committee to be established.  

• The committee is usually comprised of two faculty members, two students, and the Chair. 

• At the hearing, you will be given an opportunity to present your complaint.  

• The committee will make a decision and recommendation to the Dean of the college. You will be informed in writing by the Dean if he or she concurs with the committee’s decision.