Can College Professors Change Students' Grades If Assignments Are Incorrect or Subpar?

Many students wonder if professors have the authority to change grades once they've been submitted. While this is a common concern, the answer varies depending on the professors do occasionally adjust grades, especially in cases where there has been a mistake or if a student can clearly prove their proficiency.

Understanding the Flexibility of Grade Adjustments

Professors have the discretion to review and possibly adjust grades under certain conditions. These include:

Incorrectly graded assignments Unfair or poorly designed assignments Special circumstances that significantly impacted a student's performance

True Story: An Unfortunate Night Before an Exam

One such incident occurred during an abstract algebra course. On the night before an important exam, my dorm room encountered an unexpected “prank.” My friends played a practical joke involving a US mailbox and a park bench, which resulted in a situation that left me feeling exhausted the next morning.

Some details of the incident are best left unsaid, but it involved a US mailbox being placed in our dorm room, with mail being tampered with. The police were involved, but ultimately, we were not charged due to the lack of evidence implicating us further.

The next morning, I was so overwhelmed with the events of the previous night that I couldn't focus on the exam. I resorted to a caffeine pill and managed to complete the exam, but it clearly affected my performance. After grading, the professor noticed the discrepancy between my exam and the rest of my coursework.

Response from the Professor and a New Test

My professor called me into his office. He expressed concern that my test did not align with the standard of work I had previously submitted. He listened to my explanation of the unfortunate event. After hearing my account, he immediately offered me a retake of the exam. I excelled in the retake, and as a result, I received an A in the course.

Conclusion: The Power and Responsibility of Professors

While professors do have the capability to change grades, they generally only do so in exceptional circumstances. The case described above is an example where a student provided clear evidence of their ability to perform well. In most cases, professors adhere to a strict grading policy and may be hesitant to change grades post-semester.

It's important to communicate openly with your professors and provide them with the necessary context when you believe a grade may not reflect your true abilities. However, it's crucial to remember that retakes and grade changes are often reserved for situations where it is clearly shown that the previous grade does not accurately represent a student's performance.