Frequently Asked Questions

Grades

Who do I talk with if I disagree with the grade I received?

If you feel the grade does not reflect the quality of your work, the first step is to meet with your instructor. Bring with you all of your graded materials -- most grade changes are made as a result of this meeting. It is the professor’s prerogative to make judgments in borderline cases.

If the instructor is unavailable for any steps, or does not provide a timely response, you may proceed to the next step in accordance with the appeal procedure outlined in the MSU Denver Student Handbook. Timelines and deadlines are very specific.

A Formal Grade Appeal may be made by filing a “Petition for Grade Appeal.” Forms can be obtained at the offices of deans, chairs, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Students, and the Registrar.

Be advised that the Grade Review Committee will not conduct a re-evaluation of the worth of your work, and will not change the grade of an individual assignment based on the academic merit evaluation of the instructor.

Only grade appeals based on one or more of the following criteria will be considered:

  • The course grade was assigned on a basis other than performance in the course.
  • The instructor used standards that were different from those applied to other students.

A substantial and unannounced departure from the instructor’s previously articulated standards was used in assigning the grade.

How does the “last grade stands” work, and do I have to pay for the course again?

You must register and pay tuition for the course again.

You may repeat any course taken at MSU Denver, regardless of the original grade earned. If it is the same department, course number, and title, you may request that only the credit and grade for the latest attempt at the course remain on your academic record. Your grade on prior attempts will be changed to “NC,” or “No Credit.” Students cannot apply this policy to coursework taken after graduation from MSU Denver.

You do have to register and pay for the course each time.

Note: If you fail a course because of academic dishonesty, the policy does not apply.

For additional information, see your Catalog, or check with the Office of the Registrar, Student Success Building, Room 160.