Who can file an appeal with the Academic Records Review Committee?

Any student who has been admitted to the university or who has completed a course through BYU and has an academic record may file an appeal to academic records policies and procedures. If a student has been admitted through Evening School or to the Salt Lake Center, the student should contact the appropriate office for information on how to file an appeal.

What are the chances that my appeal will be approved?

Every individual appeal is reviewed by the Academic Records Review Committee. Since the committee must balance the needs of the university with the needs of the student, the committee must determine if there is sufficient justification to allow an exception. Justification is usually determined when there are non-academic emergencies or circumstances which are beyond the student’s control and which in some way has prevented or interfered with the student’s ability to comply with policies and procedures.

What is the time frame for filing an appeal?

Students should file appeals as soon as possible. For example, if a student has an illness or an accident and cannot complete all of their enrolled courses, they should file an appeal to be withdrawn as soon as they are able. Any appeals for late withdraws or late adds must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within one year from the semester or term in question.

What if my appeal is not approved?

Often appeals are not approved because the student has not made their circumstances clear to the committee or they have not provided sufficient information such as dates, proper sequences of events, supporting information and other important details. To make sure the student has the opportunity to be heard fully and completely, students may request to have their appeal considered a second time by submitting a second statement and adding missing information or documentation.

How soon after submitting my appeal will I be notified of the committee’s decision?

Decisions are made by the Academic Records Review Committee. The committee meets every 2-3 days to review student appeals. Decision letters are sent US mail or student may come in person to the Registrar’s Office to receive the committee decision.

Can you notify me of the results of my appeal via email or phone?

Not at the present time. To ensure a student’s right to confidentiality, we will only notify the student of decisions in an official letter sent to the mailing address on the appeals form. We are working to develop a secured location on Route Y where decisions can be posted and students can access using their net ID and student ID number.

Can I have the fee associated with adding or dropping classes waived?

If there is justification to waive a fee, the committee will make that decision at the time the appeal is reviewed.

Can I have a “W” deleted from my transcript?

The “W” on the academic record indicates that the student was officially enrolled and then officially withdrew from the course. The only time the committee will consider deleting a “W” is if there is a documented university error.

How can I get my grade changed?

Only the faculty member who submitted the grade can change the grade. (See grade change policy) If a student does not agree with the grade posted by the instructor the student should talk with the instructor. If the student is still not satisfied with the instructor’s decision then the student should follow the procedures outlined in the university academic grievance policy.

What if I cannot get in contact with an instructor to have them submit their information related to my appeal?

Often instructors give department secretaries authorization to act in their behalf when they are away from campus. If this is the case, go to the department and talk to the secretary. If the student is still not able, after several attempts to reach the instructor, submit the appeal and make a note of the attempts to make contact with the instructor.