Student Academic Grievance Procedures

Students with complaints about an instructor or criticisms about course content, procedures, or grading should, in almost all instances, bring the matter directly to the instructor. Where this is clearly inappropriate or when such action does not bring about a mutually satisfactory solution, the student should take the problem to the chairperson of the division administratively responsible for the course. The chairperson will attempt to resolve the matter informally. Grievances involving an instructor's judgment in assigning a grade based on academic performance may be resolved only through this informal resolution procedure.

Student academic complaints regarding the University's provision of education and academic services affecting their role as students must be based on a claimed violation of a University rule, policy, or established practice and should first involve an attempt to resolve the matter informally. Decisions of the division chairperson can be appealed to the vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean. There will be no appeals beyond the vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Students may bring academic complaints regarding the University's provision of education and academic services affecting their role as students. Such complaints must be based on a claim that there has been a violation of a University rule, policy, or established practice. Morris campus procedures for handling student academic complaints are available through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean. Resolution of complaints under this policy may include reinstatement or corrective action for the benefit of the student, including refunds, but may not award monetary damages or direct disciplinary action against any employee of the University.

Other issues, such as concerns related to University employment and University admissions decisions, do not fall under the student academic complaints policy. This policy does not limit the University's right to change rules, policies, or practices related to the provision of academic services and education.