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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. 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.

Acts of Intolerance or Discriminatory Behavior

In instances where the action is alleged to be based on some form of intolerance or discriminatory behavior, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Ethics and Access (OEOEA) serves as the first point of review. The full policy and procedures for filing a a complaint regarding this type of concern are available here.

 

Course Grade Challenges

The University enacted a new policy on April 25, 2012 to allow students to "challenge a final course grade if the student has a reasonable belief
the grade was assigned in an arbitrary or capricious manner and is unable to resolve his or her concerns with the faculty member who assigned the grade (refer to Policy 3.3.12A Faculty Responsibilities to Student, in particular items 5 and 6)."  Course grade challenges are handled through the Office of the Provost.  The full policy and procedures for filing a grade challenge are available here.

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/school director.

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 are encouraged to file a grievance in a timely manner. 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 Code of Student Conduct.