Challenging Low Grades: Exploring Legal Action vs. Internal Procedures

Academic performance is a critical aspect of student life, and understanding how grades are awarded and how to address disputes is essential. This article explores the question of whether students can take legal action against professors for giving them low grades. It delves into the established procedures and the potential outcomes of such actions.

Grade Evaluation Criteria and Procedures

In Australian universities, as well as in many other academic institutions, grades are awarded based on predetermined criteria. These criteria are clearly communicated to both students and professors, ensuring fairness and transparency in the evaluation process. If a student disagrees with their grade, they have a structured process to appeal, which typically involves a secondary assessment by another evaluator.

The emphasis on fairness and professionalism is paramount. Universities are committed to resolving any grading issues fairly and transparently. Any errors or problems related to the awarding of grades are always addressed through internal channels, rather than through legal means, which can be costly and cumbersome.

Can Students Take Legal Action?

While it is technically possible to take legal action against a professor for giving a low grade, it is generally not advisable. Universities have internal procedures in place for disputing grades, and these procedures must be followed before any legal action can be taken.

One of the first steps is to discuss the issue directly with the professor. If this step does not resolve the dispute, the next step often involves speaking with the department chair. The specific procedures vary by institution, as outlined in the student handbook. The goal is to exhaust these internal procedures before considering legal action.

Rare Cases Where Legal Action Might Be Successful

There are some rare cases where legal action might be successful in getting a grade changed. However, these are typically limited to situations where the professor has made an arithmetic error or has been inconsistent in marking criteria.

For example, if the professor incorrectly calculated the total score, this might be more common in the past when manual calculations were relied upon. Today, with digital systems and automated grading, such errors are extremely rare. Alternatively, if the same answer given by different students is marked differently, this might be a case where legal action could be considered, but there must be concrete evidence to support the claim.

Professor's Authority and Student's Role

The grading authority lies solely with the professor. They decide what grade a student deserves based on the established criteria. While students may have their own perceptions of what they deserve, this is not a factor in the grading process. Institutions and courts prioritize the fair application of the provided criteria over individual student expectations.

Conclusion

When facing low grades, students should first utilize the internal procedures available through their university. These procedures are designed to resolve disputes fairly and effectively, ensuring a professional and transparent grading process. Legal action is a last resort and should only be considered in rare cases where there is clear and concrete evidence of a grading error or inconsistency.