If a regrade always yield a higher grade, submitting an exam for a regrade would consist of a free option. If I have done a good job teaching how to make decisions, everyone in the class would take the free option and I would have to regrade every exam. So, I'm unwilling to give out free options.
One way of not giving out a free option would be to charge say 5 points for a regrade. If the regrade only increase your grade by 4 points, you would be one point behind. This would keep regrades from being free options. But, the 5 point fee is set arbitarilly by me and so isn't fair.
An way to avoid handing out free options is to get rid of the option altogether. In other words, there is no guarentee that the grade will go up. If 1/2 of the regrades go down in total points and 1/2 go up in total points, only people who really belief that there has been an error in their exam would risk submittting an exam for a regrade. This is a fairly standard policy--and is the one that I will use.
The regrade will be based only on what you submit in writing, not what you might tell me in person. With some 200+ students, I am likely to say, "of course that makes sense" in office hours and then totally forget what you told me when I look at it a few hours later.
Regrades will only be discussed in office hours if no one needs help on material. Learning takes precedence over grading! You will still have to follow one of the two methods below before your regrade can take effect.
Email me a description of why you feel your grade is currently incorrect. Drop the exam/homework in my mail box or give it to me in class. Sign/encrypt your email using PGP. I'll reply in encrypted format. You can pick up the exam/homework from me me anytime after that.
Type up a description of why you feel your grade is currently incorrect. Staple your statement to your exam/homework and drop it in my mailbox. Include an envelope that will return it all to you with my response. I most likely won't bring them by class.
If there is an error in totalling up your score, you may write this on the cover of your exam. All else requires more detail on your part.