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Grievance Procedures

Individuals interested in filing a grievance need to complete the Grievance Request form and should submit to Community Rights & Responsibilities. The Grievance Request form is reviewed by the Student Grievance Committee (SGC). In addition, the faculty or staff member involved will also be made aware of the pending grievance, and will be provided with a copy of the formal grievance.

The SGC will initially conduct a blind review of each grievance, meaning that all references to names and other identifying factors will be struck from the petition. If the SGC concludes that the student has submitted substantial information (the burden to do so rests on the student), then the committee will appoint one faculty member and one student SGC member to serve as investigators. These investigators will interview all appropriate parties and review all information that they deem to be relevant to the case. Students seeking an investigation must supply the SGC with all information and records, including witness statements, correspondence, and academic assignments, when filing the request for a grievance.

If the SGC concludes that there is insufficient cause to investigate the matter, the student will be made aware of this decision, and made aware of her/his opportunity to appeal the decision. If after the SGC has investigated a case, the committee determines the student's complaint has cause, the committee will determine whether or not corrective action may be recommended. In some cases, the SGC may conduct a more formal hearing (in accordance with University Hearing Panel procedures) in order to gather more facts about the case.

The following outcomes are possible:

1. The SGC may find no cause to the grievance and dismiss the case.
2. The SGC may find cause and offer corrective action.

If corrective action is recommended, the recommendation is forwarded to the original faculty or staff member along with a rationale for the decision. Both parties retain the right to appeal the decision of the SGC. If a faculty or staff member fails to take the corrective action recommended and the decision is upheld on appeal, the case will then be referred to the Provost or to the appropriate Vice President.

Please note: the SGC does not operate during the summer months, or between fall and spring semesters, so delays will naturally take place at these times.