I have decided to write an email to the dean for my grade change. I asked the professor and he was willing to do it first but when he realized the Dean and department need to approve it he did not want to do it. I know it is up to Professor whether or not my grade will be changed but I am pretty sure he will be OK if I get approval from the dean.
I got a C- (with 69.7%) on this class and I need to pass it in order to graduate .
I can’t take that course this semester since it is already full. I really need some help!
I like you guys and your opinions. I’d appreciate some feedback on what I have written so far.
Thank you very much!!
Dear Dr. Dean Name,
I am “my name”, a senior “my major” student. I would very much appreciate your input concerning a matter pertaining to a grade change in “blah blah” class.
I had a C- (with a 69.7% final grade) and my intent to graduation is on hold. I kindly asked “professor name” if a grade change was possible. At first, he was willing to change it and asked me how he could change my grade to a C. However, when I sent him the information on how to do it he did not really want to change it since it needs your approval.
My question is, if he wants to change my grade to a C, would you kindly approve it?
XX course for this semester is already full and there are 7 people on the waitlist. I probably won’t be able to register it untill summer, which will delay my graduation for 8 months.
I know this is really asking a lot , but it would make a huge difference to my life if you could sincerely approve it.
Sincerely,
My name.
By the way, English is not my native language so I don’t know if my e-mail is formal enough to send to Dean.
thanks.
Firstly, did you honestly earn that grade?
Do you have test scores and work supporting the higher grade and change?
If not, then no one can change it.
My daughter needed to have her grade changed because her Grad Assistant did not record the lab grades correctly. She petitioned to have her grade changed but she had all of her written documentation and proof.
They changed it.
Your professor may have wanted to help you but then he read the rules. He probably doesn’t want to risk losing his job, so he probably can’t change it now.
Telephone the department head. No need to start a document trail. Appeal to the department head and ask that you be given a chance to do an extra assignment or re-do some work to boost up that last 0.3% to a ‘C’ (I am presuming a 70% is a ‘C’ in your system). I am afraid your email is not doing anyone any favors, and will result in pulling out of the rulebook and holding fast to your grade. Further, the Prof. will be questioned on why he was willing to change the grade initially.
They may allow you to re-write and re-submit a paper (or in some form re-do an assignment) for regrading. Perhaps they can change the grade to an 'incomplete" and give you additional work.
Understand that you are asking them for a favor, even if only in taking time to construct and re-grade the assignment (not to mention discussing and determining what to do). Let the department head work with the professor before pulling in the dean. They don’t HAVE to do anything, and just as your life would be harder if they don’t, theirs would be much easier. They can easily say you earned that grade and should have dealt with it earlier in the term.
I think they will work with you, but don’t put them in a corner by ratting them out to their boss- especially in writing!