Marks and grades

What is the difference between a mark and a grade?

A mark is a level of achievement against specified criteria for an individual assessment item. A grade is the overall level of achievement for a course of study i.e. usually determined by combining the marks of the individual assessment items which make up the course. The Course Profile outlines individual assessment item details, including criteria for marking.

How can I be sure that the mark I have been awarded is consistent and fair?

A mark is based on the professional judgements of academic staff informed by experience with accepted standards in the profession or discipline. To ensure the assessment of student work is fair and valid the University employs comprehensive consensus moderation processes in making judgements about individual assessment items and course grades.

The consensus moderation of course assessment plans, assessment marking guides and criteria, and individual assessment items ensures the consistency of marking judgements. Consensus moderation of recommended course grades assures a consistency of judgement about the standard of students’ learning outcomes. The Course Convenor documents the moderation process every time a course is offered for approval by the School Assessment Board.

Both students and staff can therefore be confident in the professional judgements made by academic staff and affirmed through consensus moderation processes. For more information on moderation processes at Griffith University, please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students.

Can I expect feedback about my mark?

Yes. Examiners are to give you guidance and comment on your work in writing or in ways appropriate to the assessment task. Examiners are to provide access to exam scripts (including end of semester exams) and discuss your performance in an exam.

Students who do not understand the assessment criteria and the judgements made for the award of their mark are encouraged to seek feedback from the Course Convenor on return of the assessment item. Do not wait to seek feedback until the award of your grade for the course.

Can I request a remark?

No. A mark is the judgement of an academic staff member in their professional and disciplinary capacity. Consensus moderation processes including the benchmarking of assessment assures consistency in the marking of student work. Through these processes the University assures assessment of student work is fair and valid.

What if there has been an error in the calculation of my mark?

If you believe an error has been made in arriving at your mark (i.e. that the marks don’t add up to the total, not all parts have been marked, a difference exists between your marked assessment item and the mark in the marks centre), you are to discuss this with your Course Convenor on return of your assessment item. Do not wait to correct an error until the award of your grade for the course.

Can I appeal my final grade?

Yes. If you believe that an error has been made in respect of the calculation of the grade awarded you can request a review. Consult with your Course Convenor regarding your grade first either in person or in writing. If you still believe there has been an error in the calculation of your grade, you may request a review of final grade by lodging a Review of a Decision Form with Student Connect within 10 working days of the date that your grade was posted on the University’s website. For more information on appeals against award of final grade, please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students, Student Review and Appeals Policy and Student Review and Appeals Procedure.

Alternatively, if you have a complaint or grievance about your grade or dissatisfaction with academic matters such as content or delivery of a program or course, teaching quality, supervision or conduct of an academic staff member you may write to the Program Director or Course Convenor responsible for the program or course. For more information please refer to the Student Complaints Policy.