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Student Grievance Process

The Student Grievance Process provides students with an opportunity to request the University to review the actions or decisions of University faculty and staff members. The Student Grievance Committee is responsible for reviewing student complaints and investigating cases it deems necessary of investigation.

Definition

A student grievance is defined as a complaint arising out of any alleged unauthorized or unjustified act or decision by a member of the University community which in any way adversely affects the status, rights, or privileges of any student.

Typically, grievances are a response to an action that has been taken against a student by a faculty or staff member that is without justification or basic fairness. Most often, grievances arise based on a student's belief that a grade awarded in a class was unfair and not in accordance with the work performed. In other cases, students might be deprived of their status, rights, or privileges based on an arbitrary and/or capricious action.

Not all allegations are protected by the student grievance process. In some instances (e.g., teacher certification), separate processes exist that maintain sole jurisdiction over the event in question. In instances where the action is alleged to be based on some form of intolerance or discriminatory behavior, the Office for Diversity and Affirmative Action serves as the first point of review.

Procedure

Prior to filing a grievance, it is strongly recommended that an informal resolution be sought with the faculty or staff member in question. If this proves unsuccessful, the student is also strongly recommended to seek informal resolution with the individual's supervisor or academic department chair.

In general, students submitting cases to the Student Grievance Committee that have not sought informal resolution have been rejected for review. Exceptions are generally granted only when the faculty or staff member has demonstrably created an environment that makes informal resolution impossible. All parties to grievances may seek alternative dispute resolution opportunities through the University Mediation Program.

It is critical to note that students have a limited period of time in which to file a grievance. The deadline is 90 days from the date of the alleged act taking place. Exceptions are granted in rare cases only when a student is able to demonstrate that the faculty or staff member prevented her/him from filing within the accepted time period. If attempts at informal resolution have not been successful, the case may then be submitted to the Student Grievance Committee for review using the Grievance Request form.

• Read further about Student Grievance Procedures.
• Or read about Student Grievance from the Student Code of Conduct.