Informal Student Concern or Complaint
Most issues and concerns can be resolved by open communications and through an informal process. Individuals are encouraged to achieve by informal means what they regard as a fair and reasonable resolution of their complaint. Before filing a formal written grievance, the Grievant must first make a good faith effort to confer with the party against whom they have a grievance in an effort to resolve the matter informally.
Concerns expressed by students should be addressed by the person receiving the concern, to the best of their ability. Informal student concerns include items expressed verbally or in an electronic format such as email, texting, etc.
In instances where the Grievant feels uncomfortable speaking to the Respondent or has any reservations about initiating the initial contact within the Grievant’s department or work unit, the Grievant should contact the Dean of Students. If the grievance is against the Dean of Students, then the Vice President for Student Success and Human Resources should be contacted, and they will appoint another individual to serve as a grievance coordinator for that matter. The Dean of Students will discuss the matter with the Grievant, become familiar with the complaint, and then advise the Grievant as to what options are available for resolving the problem.
If applicable, the Dean of Students may ask the Grievant to meet with the Grievant’s immediate or second level supervisor in order to give those individuals an opportunity to resolve the matter. The Dean of Students may meet with the parties together or separately to discuss the problem and may involve other persons in these discussions as appropriate. The Dean of Students may serve as a resource or a facilitator during the informal process.