Academic Grievance Process

Students should first bring any academic issues to the instructor. The Student Academic Grievance procedure applies to academic complaints (e.g., grades) related to actions carried out by faculty.

  1. The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs handles all academic (non-disciplinary) grievances.
    1. Petitions concerning academic problems should be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
    2. An informal meeting will be held with faculty and/or the Dean.
    3. If there is no resolution, the student petition is forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for formal action. The petitioner shall receive a response within two weeks of filing the petition.
    4. The student may appeal the Vice President’s decision to the President.
  2. The formal, written grievance shall include:
    1. All academic complaints need to be made within two (2) weeks after the incident (e.g., test grade);
    2. The background of the situation;
    3. A description of steps already taken to resolve the situation, if any;
    4. A statement of the reason(s) the student filing the grievance believes the incident constitutes being treated unfairly; and
    5. The relief or remedy resolution sought by the student filing the grievance.