Academic Grievances
Should students have grievances against a faculty member relating to any academic matter, they should avail themselves of the procedure outlined below. The goal of the academic grievance procedure is to effect reconciliation between the instructor and the student.
Students who have complaints related to harassment, discrimination, data privacy, Title IX, sexual misconduct, violence, or accommodations should refer to the links at the end of this policy.
Appealing a Grade
If a student wants to contest a course grade, the student should first meet with the instructor to voice a complaint and to receive an explanation and possible redress. Students who are not satisfied with the explanation may confer with the Program Director and ask for a review of the grade. The Academic Program Director will consult with the faculty member and review the material. Any final appeal may be made in writing via email to the Provost, whose decision will be final.
Violation of Good Teaching Practices
A student who believes that a faculty member has not complied with good teaching practices must follow the procedures outlined below. Good Teaching Practices are outlined in Section E.II.B. of the Faculty Handbook.
Informal Resolution
The student must first attempt to resolve the concern by discussing it directly with the faculty member. The student may be accompanied by a faculty advisor in these discussions, if applicable. If the concern is not resolved, the student should request a meeting with the Academic Program Director.
Formal Complaint
If resolution is not achieved through informal discussion with the faculty member or program director, the student may submit a written complaint via email to the Provost. The written complaint must describe the nature of the grievance, identify the specific teaching responsibilities believed to be unmet, and include any supporting documentation.
Student Tenure Committee
Within 10 days of receiving the written complaint, the Provost will request that the Student Tenure Committee convene. The Committee will consist of four full‑time faculty members and one student representative selected by the student association. Prior to reviewing the case, the Committee will determine whether reasonable efforts have been made to resolve the matter through discussions with the faculty member and/or Program Director. If these efforts have not been exhausted, the case will be referred back to the student for completion of the Informal Resolution process.
The Committee will investigate the complaint and submit written recommendations to the Provost within 30 days of receiving the complaint.
Time Limits
Complaints must be filed no later than 45 days after the alleged incident.
Review Procedures
The burden of proof rests with the student, who should provide a detailed description and supporting materials. The student may attend hearings, excluding executive sessions.
The faculty member will receive written notice of the grievance, including a detailed description and supporting materials, and may submit written responses. The faculty member may also attend hearings, excluding executive sessions.
Committee Findings
If the Committee finds that no violation occurred, or that a violation occurred but no corrective action is warranted, the Committee Chair will notify the student and faculty member in writing via email, with copies to the Program Director and Provost.
If the Committee finds that a violation occurred and recommends corrective action, the Committee Chair will submit the recommendations in writing via email to the Program Director and Provost, with copies to the student and faculty member. A copy of this notification will be placed in the faculty member’s personnel file.
The faculty member must notify the Program Director within 10 days whether they will comply with the recommendations. Failure to respond within this timeframe will constitute noncompliance.
Compliance and Appeals
If the faculty member complies, the student will be notified in writing via email by the Program Director.
If the faculty member does not comply, copies of the recommendations and response will be forwarded to the Provost and President, placed in the faculty member’s personnel file, and shared with the student. A notation may also be placed in the student’s academic record.
The faculty member may appeal the Committee’s decision to the Provost within 10 days of receiving the findings. The Provost will review all materials, meet with the student and faculty member, and may affirm, modify, or reverse the Committee’s recommendations.
If the faculty member disagrees with the Provost’s decision, an appeal may be made to the President. The President’s decision is final.
External Complaint Process
If the student’s concern remains unresolved after completion of the institutional process, the student may pursue the appropriate state‑level complaint process.
Financial Grievances
Information on Financial Aid appeals to Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements can be found in the Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Aid section of the Academic Catalog.
Other Complaints and Grievance Types
Information on other types of student rights and complaint processes can be found at the following locations: