Brandon University Revamps Grade-Appeal Policy to Enhance Transparency

Brandon University has implemented a new policy for students appealing course grades, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the appeal process. The decision, approved by university senators on December 16, 2025, comes in response to a significant controversy surrounding grade changes that occurred in 2022.

The updated policy requires that any appeal for a higher mark must include multiple parties and create a detailed documentation trail, regardless of the outcome. This change responds to concerns raised after an incident involving Bernadette Ardelli, the former Dean of Science, who altered a student’s transcript without following standard procedures. The incident, which involved changing an F to an A+, was reported by a contract instructor who refused to comply with the dean’s request due to the student’s poor performance.

The faculty association subsequently filed a grievance, alleging that Ardelli attempted to intimidate the instructor and interfere with academic freedom. After a lengthy review process, Ardelli issued an apology, leading the university to formalize its grade appeal protocols.

Under the new policy, students are entitled to challenge their marks on the grounds of miscalculation or inappropriate grading. If an agreement cannot be reached with the instructor, the student must consult the chair of their department. Should the issue remain unresolved, the student can escalate the matter to the dean’s office. At this stage, an “appeal package” must be prepared, containing a written argument and supporting documentation, which must be shared with the instructor, department chair, dean, and registrar’s office.

Both students and instructors can have a support person accompany them during the appeal process. According to Gautam Srivastava, president of the faculty association, this new policy brings consistency to the appeal process, ensuring that students have the right to a fair evaluation.

The decision-making authority ultimately lies with the dean, who is required to provide a rationale for any grade changes in writing to all involved parties. Deans have 20 business days to reach a decision once an appeal is submitted. The registrar will also confirm that all appropriate procedures were followed before processing any grade changes.

The new policy allows deans to consult with experts in the relevant course subject, though there is no obligation to do so. While university leadership, including Christine Bovis-Cnossen, the university president, emphasized that the policy emerged from extensive consultation, reactions among faculty and staff have been mixed.

Some faculty members have expressed concern that the policy does not adequately empower instructors or department chairs to defend their grading decisions. Others have pointed out that while the new approach increases the number of people involved in the appeals process, the final decision still rests with the dean.

As the university moves forward with this revised policy, it remains to be seen how it will impact student experiences and faculty dynamics in grading disputes. The emphasis on a documented, multi-party process aims to safeguard against any future mishandling of grade changes, reinforcing the integrity of academic assessments at Brandon University.