Obligations & Responsibilities
Understanding the Process
Whether you are dealing with a grading situation or a broader issue with an instructor, your situation falls into one of two categories.
Academic Grievance Procedures
A student who takes a class at UH Mānoa and believes that a faculty member has failed to meet specific responsibilities outlined in "Responsibilities of Faculty" may register an academic grievance. Students and faculty are encouraged to resolve their differences through consultation and mediation. When these efforts are ineffective, the student can talk to the Department Chair or Dean.
Grade Appeal Process
When a student's academic grievance is about a final grade received, they can file a grade appeal. The Grade Appeal Process applies to courses offered at UH Mānoa, except for courses offered by the professional schools of law and medicine. Students should contact those schools to follow their procedures.
The Appeal Process
Possible Reasons for a Grade Appeal
Important Notes about the Grade Appeal Process
Fast Facts/FAQs
Q. What counts as a valid reason for appeal?
A. e.g., calculation errors, deviation from the syllabus - see Possible Reasons for a Grade Appeal
Q. Who has the burden of proof?
A. The student.
Q. Whose decision is final?
A. The decision is final at the External Appeal stage.
Q. When can I file a grade appeal?
A. You must have received a final grade from a course offered by UH Mānoa (excluding the William S. Richardson School of Law and the John A. Burns School of Medicine courses) and you must have received that grade within three years from when you received your final grade.
Q. What is the 3-Year Rule?
A. Students have a three-year window to appeal a final grade. Students are encouraged to appeal grades in a timely manner because waiting longer may decrease the likelihood of success.
Q. I can no longer access my course in Lamakū. How can I obtain graded assignments or other materials needed for my grade appeal?
A. Students generally lose access to Lamakū course sites approximately 21 days after a course ends. If a student needs temporary access for a grade appeal, they should contact the instructor (or the Department Chair) for the course in question. The instructor or chair can request temporary access on behalf of the student by emailing the ITS Help Desk (help@hawaii.edu) with the following details:
- Full name of student
- Course CRN
- A brief explanation that access is required for a grade appeal
Q. What is the University of Hawaiʻi's institutional records management policy as it pertains to grades?
A. The University of Hawaiʻi's Institutional Records Management policy as it pertains to grades falls under EP 2.216 (see Retention Schedule: https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/docs/temp/Appendix_1_-_Student_Records_Retention_Schedule.pdf)
Not sure how the Grade Appeal Process works?
View a printable, step-by-step overview of the Grade Appeal Process and the possible paths available to you.
Contact
For questions or further information, please contact:
Grade Appeal Process
Office of the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success
Dr. Amy Hubbard, Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success
Kayoko Perkins, Grade Appeal Process Coordinator
2600 Campus Road, QLC 213
Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: (808) 956-6231
Email: GradeApp@hawaii.edu
Alternate Version
To obtain a hard copy, request an alternate format, or for advice or assistance on matters related to this Academic Grievance Procedures & Grade Appeal Process - contact the Office of the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success.
UPDATED: May 6, 2026
Information in this section is subject to change without notice.