How to Properly Escalate Academic Grievances
Faculty have distinct responsibilities to students (usu.edu/policies/403/).
Students have responsibilities, too (studentconduct.usu.edu/studentcode/article1#collapseTwo).
If a conflict arises related to academics, it is important that students follow this process:
1. Discuss it with your instructor
Tips
Make sure you have read and understand the course syllabus before contacting the faculty member.
Writing tips
Write professionally in complete sentences. Address the instructor by their title. Explain the situation succinctly. Express your request clearly. Be respectful and thank them for their time.
In person or phone tips
Address the instructor by their title. Explain the situation succinctly. Express your request clearly. Be respectful and thank them for their time.
2. Discuss it with department head
If you are unable to resolve the issue with your instructor, contact the department head where the instructor is located. Use the same tips listed above.
3. Contact the dean for the college
If you are unable to resolve the issue with the department head, contact the dean for the college where the instructor is located. Use the same tips listed above.
Student Code
The full student code and process for academic grievances can be found at studentconduct.usu.edu/studentcode/article7.
Academic Grievances
For all academic grievances, the channel is:
- The instructor, or graduate supervisory committee if the grievance pertains to committee action
- The academic department head
- The dean of the college. For graduate students, it is the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, who will consult and coordinate with the academic dean.
- Grievance Board
- The hearing officer
- The provost
- The president of the university