Continuing Studies is committed to fair and transparent assessment practices. If you have a concern about a grade you received in a Continuing Studies course, the Grade Appeal process provides a structured way to have your concern reviewed.
Grade appeals follow a three-step process.
Students are expected to complete Step 1 prior to submitting a Grade Appeal to the Continuing Studies office.
STEP 1: Consultation with the Instructor
If you have a concern about a grade, you must first discuss the matter directly with your instructor.
In some cases, grade concerns are resolved at this stage due to:
- A clerical or administrative error, or
- A clarification or adjustment following discussion
If the instructor changes the grade, they will notify the Continuing Studies Office.
If you are unable to contact the instructor after five (5) business days, you may proceed to Step 2.
STEP 2 : Appeal to the Continuing Studies Office
If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the instructor and you wish to formally appeal the grade, you must submit a written appeal using the Grade Appeal service. Email appeals are not accepted.
Once a complete appeal is received, the appropriate Continuing Studies Program Coordinator will:
- Review the appeal documentation
- Consult with the instructor
- Determine whether the issue can be resolved through mediation
Appeals will only be considered under the following circumstances:
- The instructor did not follow the grading outline for the course
- The course syllabus or lesson plan does not clearly set out grading criteria
- There is clear evidence that the grading method was not applied consistently across the class
Appeals will not be considered when the concern is based solely on:
- A difference of opinion about the instructor’s academic judgment, or
- Comparisons with grades received in other courses or from other instructors
This form creates a single Grade Appeal ticket for your appeal.
If your appeal continues to Step 3, you should use the same ticket rather than submitting a new request.
STEP 3: Final Appeal to the Director, Continuing Studies
If the matter is not resolved through mediation and you remain dissatisfied, you may submit a final appeal to the Director, Continuing Studies.
A final appeal must:
- Be submitted using the Grade Appeal Form
- Be received within thirty (30) days of the final grade being issued
- Be based on one or more of the appeal grounds listed above
The Director (or Executive Director) may request to meet with the student and instructor to review the matter.
Within the University, the decision of the Director, Continuing Studies is final and may not be further appealed.
To proceed with a Grade Appeal, complete and submit the form, ensuring all required information and documentation are included.
Submitting a Grade Appeal
Use this form to submit your formal Grade Appeal after completing Step 1 (consultation with the instructor).
Please ensure that:
- All required information is provided
- Supporting documentation is included
Incomplete submissions may delay review.
This form creates a Grade Appeal ticket that will remain active throughout the appeal process. If your appeal proceeds to Step 3, you should continue using the same ticket rather than submitting a new request. Additional information or follow-up may be provided by replying to the ticket or requesting that it be reopened.
Privacy and Personal Information
Personal information is collected by Emily Carr University of Art and Design under the authority of section 26(c) of the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The information you provide is used to process and respond to your request and for related administrative purposes within Continuing Studies.
Questions about the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information may be directed to privacy@ecuad.ca.