Brandon University Dean Faces Scrutiny Over Grade Change Controversy

A significant controversy has emerged at Brandon University, where former dean of science, Bernadette Ardelli, is accused of altering a failing student’s grade to an A+. This decision has raised serious questions about the integrity of academic oversight and grading policies at the institution.

The incident, which took place in April 2022, involved a student who initially received a failing mark of 45% in a demanding advanced science course. Despite the course instructor’s insistence that the student had not completed required assignments or participated actively in class, Ardelli, then overseeing eight departments within the faculty of science, unilaterally changed the grade to A+ in the university’s internal records. This action occurred within 24 hours of the final grades being submitted, according to multiple confidential sources.

Concerns regarding this grade change resurfaced on campus in the autumn of 2023, prompting renewed scrutiny of the university’s grading policies and oversight mechanisms. Multiple individuals connected to the university confirmed details of the incident, describing it as an “open secret” among faculty and students. One university employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated, “She gave a grade that was mathematically impossible.”

The course syllabus clearly outlined that even if the student had achieved perfect scores on all outstanding assignments, their highest possible grade would have been limited to 85%. An A+ requires a score of 90% or higher, highlighting the improbability of the grade change made by Ardelli.

Documents obtained from internal sources indicate that the faculty association formally raised a grievance with university administration on May 18, 2022, citing breaches of academic freedom and university policy by the dean. This grievance remained unresolved for nearly two years, during which Ardelli was promoted to the role of vice-president for research and graduate studies, a position she assumed on January 1, 2024.

In a letter of apology addressed to the former instructor, Ardelli acknowledged the stress and anxiety caused by her decision, stating, “I now recognize that I ought to have discussed the grade change and grade appeal process with you in more detail.” This letter, issued on university letterhead, was received by the instructor in November 2024.

The former instructor, who has since left the university, declined to comment on the specifics of the situation, citing ongoing stress related to the incident. In contrast, students who took the same course expressed disbelief over the grade awarded to their classmate. One former student remarked, “I assumed they dropped the class,” noting that they rarely saw the individual in attendance or contributing to lab work.

The university’s governance structure, specifically the senate, has recently begun examining grade-appeal protocols, particularly in light of this incident. Senate meeting minutes reveal discomfort among members regarding the dean’s authority to override the instructor’s decisions, with some questioning the appropriateness of such actions.

Faculty association president Gautam Srivastava initially refrained from commenting on the case but later confirmed that the grade-appeal grievance was resolved satisfactorily. He expressed confidence in the fairness and accuracy of the university’s grading processes. In contrast, Kofi Campbell, the provost and vice-president (academic), did not respond to requests for comment.

Despite the university’s assertion of robust grading policies, the absence of a formal protocol for handling grade changes and appeals has raised concerns. Current university communications emphasize that faculty members should adhere to guidelines rather than formal policies, which could complicate accountability in similar situations.

As Brandon University continues to address this incident, the implications for grading oversight and academic integrity remain critical topics of discussion within the institution. The establishment of a senate subcommittee to review grade-appeal policies is a step toward ensuring that such controversies do not arise in the future. The unfolding developments will be closely monitored by those invested in the university’s reputation and academic standards.