Eastern Michigan University

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I think my professor graded me unfairly. Can I do anything about it?

    Faculty have the expertise, authority, and academic freedom to establish grading criteria for their courses and to determine final course grades. Therefore the final grade issued by a faculty member is presumed to be fair, accurate, and reliable. The burden of proof resides with the student seeking the grade grievance. Evidence must be provided to support claims made in a grade grievance.

    The Grade Grievance Procedure provides each student with the opportunity to appeal formally a final grade in a course because he or she believes that the grade has been awarded capriciously or unfairly.

    Capricious or unfair grading may include but is not limited to the assignment of a course grade to a student:

    1. on some basis other than relevant performance in the course;
    2. by resorting to standards different from those which were applied to other students in that course;
    3. or by an unreasonable and/or unannounced substantial departure from the instructor's previously articulated standards.

    Please note: Disagreement with an instructor's judgment in and of itself is not a basis for a grievance, nor is disagreement with an instructor's grading standards, if such standards have been described in advance for the class, and have been applied fairly to all students in the class.

    If thinking about pursuing this option we encourage students to look at the following information:

    • Spend time reviewing the syllabus for the course in question. How does the syllabus outline final grades will be calculated?
    • Utilize the grading formula or scale in the syllabus to calculate your grade on your own and determine if your calculation is the same as your instructor’s calculation of the grade. If you do not have a breakdown of your individual grades (assignments, participation, exams, etc.) you should request a detailed breakdown of grade that you can compare to the syllabus.
    • Finally, throughout this whole process, don’t lose your cool. You have the ability to ask questions or request further clarification about your final grade, but you must do so respectfully.
  • I have an issue, but I don’t know who to talk to or what questions to ask?

    If you are having an issue, but do not know where to go or who to talk to, the Office of the Ombuds serves as a resource for students to be able to assist in pointing you in the right direction. The Office of the Ombuds can be reached by phone at 734.487.0074, email, online, or visit their office (248 Student Center).

    The Office of the Ombuds is a resource for students regarding any complaint, grievance or appeal that may be academic or non-academic in nature. When working with the Office of the Ombuds, you will receive timely, objective and strategic information in a confidential manner to assist with the interpretation of policies and procedures. The role of the Ombuds is to ensure adherence to EMU policy, confirm due process as it relates to institutional protocol, assist with resolution and prevention of both academic and non-academic concerns, and to make appropriate data based recommendations to the Office of the Provost.

    The Ombuds works directly with students, faculty, and staff, providing consultation related to university policies and procedures. It has established itself as an objective, non-biased operation that continues to work towards developing a fair and equitable university community.

  • I received an email saying I am not in good academic standing at EMU. What does that mean?

    Staying in college is not easy. Many people encounter challenges along the path to getting their degree. It is not uncommon that you may confront obstacles to academic success.

    An undergraduate student is placed on academic probation when his/her cumulative grade point average at EMU, is less than 2.00 (a "C" average).*. Placement on academic probation is automatic and applies even if the student states that official notification of such probation has not been received from the University.

    What should you do to support your success if you are not in good academic standing?

    Not being in good academic standing is a notice to you that you may have to change how your approach your academics and future success. This is a good thing, as it allows you to reconsider your academic goals and work toward achievement.

    It may be easy to disregard an email like this, but please do not. The earlier you deal with the challenges you are facing academically, the earlier you will be able to resolve these issues and get back on track. It is highly important that you pay attention to this information because students who fail to maintain the required GPA, course completion, and other university requirements will be subject to dismissal for academic reasons.

    NOTE: Placement on Academic Probation may affect your eligibility for Financial Aid. Please visit the Financial Aid website.

  • I received an email saying I have been Academically Dismissed. What does that mean?

    Staying in college is not easy. Many people encounter challenges along the path to getting their degree. It is not uncommon that you may confront obstacles to academic success.

    An undergraduate student is academically dismissed when his/her cumulative grade point average at EMU, is still less than 2.00 (a "C" average)* after one semester where a student's academic requirements are below good standing. An undergraduate student may also be academically dismissed if he/she has violated the terms of an academic contract that they had been placed on. Academic dismissal is automatic and applies even if the student states that official notification of such dismissal has not been received from the University.

    What do you need to do once you’ve been academically dismissed?

    1. Refer to the notification that you received stating your dismissal. Follow any directions listed in that email that you must take regarding your dismissal such as completing an Academic Reinstatement Request (Request for Reinstatement after Dismissal) or accepting an academic contract offer.
    2. Meet with your Academic Advisor immediately to determine options that may be available to you in moving forward. This may include discussing what led to your academic dismissal, what courses you have left to complete here at EMU when you are able to return, or even what courses you could take elsewhere that would transfer back to EMU.

    Academic dismissal is a notice to you that you may have to change your approach to academics and future success. It may be easy to disregard an email like this, but please do not. It is highly important that you pay attention to this information because once you are academically dismissed, you are required to sit out from EMU for one calendar year from the semester of dismissal.

    NOTE: Placement on Academic Dismissal may affect your eligibility for Financial Aid. Please visit the Financial Aid website for more information.

  • I have to drop a class(es) but it is after the drop deadline. What can I do?

    Sometimes events happen which are beyond your control that may force you to withdraw from a class after the posted deadline. These may include illnesses, family emergencies, legal difficulties, or other events. The university has a process to address circumstances like these.

    Individual Withdrawal

    After the 100% drop deadline, there is a period for individual withdrawal from classes. Withdrawal results in a “W” on your academic record. Individual course withdrawal will produce no tuition credit or refund. You may withdraw from individual classes by accessing the Registration menu from your my.emich account.

    Students with financial or other holds that prevent registration may withdraw in person at the Service EMU location in the Student Center, by calling the Office of Records and Registration at 734.487.4111, or by sending an email (from your EMU email address) to [email protected].

    See date and deadline calendars for specific deadlines related to adding, dropping, and withdrawing from courses.

    Late Withdrawal

    EMU policy provides students an opportunity to appeal a withdrawal after the official deadline from individual class or the entire semester/term, if they have extenuating circumstances of recent occurrence, that prevent them from completing the course or courses in question.

    Both undergraduate and graduate students who would like to petition for a late withdrawal may do so by completing the Late Withdrawal/Tuition Appeal Request form. Students must provide evidence of extenuating circumstances and withdrawals are not automatic.

    **If you have questions regarding your Late Withdrawal/Tuition Appeal, please send an email via your EMU email account to: [email protected]

    Complete Cancellation of all Your Classes for the Semester

    If you decide not to attend a semester for which you have registered, you must cancel your entire class schedule or be subject to financial and/or academic penalties. If you neglect to notify the Office of Records and Registration, the University has no way to know that you do not plan to attend and will continue to reserve your space in the class. Non-attendance and non-payment of bills will not result in any class being dropped.

    You may cancel all classes by doing one of the following:

    Through the 100% deadline, a total withdrawal will result in a refund of 100% of tuition and *fees. Through the 50% deadline, the total withdrawal will result in a 50% refund of tuition and *fees and "W" grades. Through the 25% deadline, the total withdrawal will result in a 25% refund of tuition and *fees and "W" grades.

    *Excludes the non-refundable registration fee 

  • I had a bad semester, will my grades or withdrawal affect my financial aid or scholarships?

    There may be circumstances in which a bad grade or withdrawal from a course will affect your financial aid or scholarships. It is imperative that if you find yourself in a situation like this that you contact the Financial Aid office immediately to get a better understanding of how this may affect your financial aid package currently and/or in the future.

    There are a few pieces of information to keep in mind when concerned about your financial aid package:

    Enrollment and Withdrawal

    For more information regarding Enrollment and Withdrawal requirements and impacts on your Financial Aid eligibility, please visit the Office of Financial Aidenrollment and withdrawals website for assistance.

    Satisfactory Academic Progress

    For more information regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress and its impact on your financial aid eligibility please visit the Office of Financial Aid satisfactory academic progress website for assistance.

    Scholarship Appeal

    Students who had extenuating circumstances that resulted in failure to meet the stipulated requirements of their scholarship may appeal the cancellation. Students should contact EMU’s Office of Financial Aid to discuss any available options for aid and scholarship eligibility based on the circumstances that occurred.

  • I am currently on Academic Probation and/or have an Academic Contract. I am having personal issues and difficulties meeting the academic standing and/or academic contract requirements. What should I do?

    Staying in college is not easy. Many people encounter challenges along the path to getting their degree. It is not uncommon that you may confront obstacles to academic success. We understand that sometimes events happen that are out of your control. It is imperative that when these circumstances arise you immediately, and prior to taking any action, reach out to university offices that are available to assist you in determining best options for you at that time.

    Communicating proactively is very important. If you find yourself in this situation you should reach out to the following offices to ensure you are going over all of your current options and assessing which is the best for you pursue.

    Office of Records & Registration
    734.487.4111
    [email protected]
    *For in-person service, visit Service EMU in McKenny or the Student Center 

    University Advising & Career Development Center
    734.487.0400
    200 McKenny Hall 

    Office of the Ombuds
    734-487-0074
    248 Student Center
    [email protected]  

    You must meet the terms of your contract, but exceptions may be warranted if you communicate early and contact all appropriate offices to demonstrate your commitments and best efforts to meet University obligations.

  • I am having a conflict with my instructor(s). What should I do?

    Conflict is everywhere and will be a part of the normal college experience. Universities are comprised of many different individuals coming from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints. The good news is that conflict can be a good thing and part of being a college educated person means learning how to manage and resolve conflicts you face.

    Sometimes you may be reluctant to approach your instructor to discuss concerns you have, but if handled in a respectful way, instructors will typically respond well to a student expressing their concerns about learning the course material. One of the most important things to remember is the value of communication, even over difficult issues.

    When you have a conflict with your instructor the first step is to discuss your concerns and attempt to resolve the conflict directly with the instructor. A few general tips for successful communication during step 1:

    • You have the ability to ask questions or request further clarification about various aspects of the courses, but you must also do so respectfully.
    • It is best to address concerns sooner rather than later. Make sure you are addressing concerns right away, not at the last minute, after you have withdrawn from the course, or the end of the course.

    Check out the Guidelines for Effectively Communicating Issues or Concerns (PDF) for additional tips on communicating your concerns effectively with instructors, requesting an appointment with you instructor to discuss concerns, and follow-up after the appointment with your instructor.

    If the instructor indicates that they have made a final decision on your concern, respect that decision, and if you wish to pursue the concern further, review the complete EMU Academic Concern Resolution Process (PDF) for your next steps. In addition you may contact the Office of the Ombuds to find out what options are available to you and discuss the next steps in the EMU Academic Concern Resolution Process (PDF).

    Office of the Ombuds
    734.487.0074
    248 Student Center
    [email protected]

  • I want to make sure I have a plan to graduate and meet all my degree/program requirements. I don’t want to take extra classes I don’t need, make mistakes that cost me money, or extend my time at EMU. What do I do?

    There are several important steps you should take to ensure you have a plan to graduate and are meeting all your degree/program requirements. We understand your desire to complete your degree in a timely manner and have added many resources to EMU in order to assist you in doing so.

    First it is critical that you meet with your advisor(s) regularly (at least twice a term) and before making ANY changes to your academic plan. We encourage you to see a University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC) Advisor to understand your general education requirements, as well as your faculty/program advisor to understand your program requirements.

    University Advising & Career Development Center
    734.487.0400
    200 McKenny Hall  

    When meeting with your advisor(s) we have several best practices that we encourage you to implement to ensure you are gaining the most out of your advising appointments:

    • Be proactive in scheduling advising appointments. Don’t wait to schedule a meeting with you advisor at the last minute.
    • After each advising appointment make sure to get a signed copy of any paperwork that was completed or notes that were discussed.
    • After each advising appointment or phone call with your advisor(s) make sure to send an email follow-up to verify your understating of the information you received.
    • Build a relationship with your advisor(s). Find someone who you work well with and always go to them. We don’t recommend seeing a different person for each advising appointment you schedule.

    In addition, EMU offers an Undergraduate Degree Evaluation Tool! This tool is called u.achieve. To access u.achieve, log into your my.emich account and follow the steps below:

    • Click on the “Student” tab
    • Choose the “Student Services” link
    • Select “Student Records”
    • Click on the “UG Degree Audit (u.achieve)” link

    View complete directions on running your u.achieve audit. For questions related to u.achieve, please contact the Office of Records and Registration at 734.487.4111 or via email at [email protected].

    It is also highly important that you review EMU’s graduation policies to ensure that you are completing everything that you need to in order to graduate. Find information on graduation requirements, applying for a degree audit, applying for graduation, and guidelines for participation in commencement ceremonies.

If you have a question that isn’t listed on this page, the Office of the Ombuds serves as a resource for students and can point you in the right direction. The Office of the Ombuds can be reached by phone at 734.487.0074, email, online, or visit their office (248 Student Center).