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Academic Grievances

Definition of Academic Grievance

An instructor has full autonomy to evaluate a student’s academic performance in a course. Accordingly, options for outcomes from a grievance process are limited. The University administration would override an instructor’s evaluation only in an extremely limited circumstance. Specifically, the occurrence or incident relating to an academic grievance must constitute a failure to adhere to Policy 4002 of the Utah State University Policy Manual. If a student believes that the actions of an instructor, academic supervisor, or supervisory committee represent a failure to uphold responsibilities to students as outlined in section 2.3.1 (Faculty Responsibilities to Students) of the faculty code, the student may initiate an academic grievance. An academic grievance includes complaints related to course conduct or grades (e.g., unfair grading, unfair course policies, unwillingness to accommodate approved class absences), graduate committee decisions, practicum or internship placements or evaluations, and other discipline-specific activities that impact the students’ academic record or progress.

Academic Grievance Process

  1. Prior to initiating a formal appeal process, where possible, reasonable effort should be made to come to a resolution between the instructor/supervisor/committee and the student. If needed, students should meet with the department head within the department where the course is taught to explore informal resolutions through discussion and mutual understanding.  Informal resolution efforts should be submitted in writing (e.g., by email), and efforts should be thoroughly documented. If informal resolution efforts are unsuccessful, this documentation should be included in the academic appeal form.

  2. If an informal resolution cannot be reached, students should submit a written appeal using the online academic appeal form, selecting the appropriate department head to receive the appeal form. The department head will review the formal complaint, along with the written response of the instructor/supervisor/committee and recommend a path for resolution. The grievance form must be submitted within 30 days of the end of the semester in which the decision or action the student is grieving took place. The department head must render a decision within 10 working days of receiving the formal grievance. 

  3. If not satisfied with the decision of the department head, the student or the instructor/supervisor/committee may request review by members of the Academic Standards Subcommittee of the Educational Policies Committee within 30 days of receiving the decision of the department head.  Members of the Academic Standards Subcommittee will review the written documentation from the student, instructor/supervisor/committee, and department head and make a recommendation to the Dean within 30 days of receiving the request. The Academic Standards Committee may seek clarification from either the student or instructor/supervisor/committee, as they consider the evidence. To request a review, please contact the Chair of the Academic Standards Committee, Fran Hopkin.

  4. All written materials will be sent to the dean of the academic college for review. A decision will be made by the dean within 10 working days of receiving the recommendation. A finding of a violation of section 403.3.1 of the faculty code will be accompanied by a plan for remediating the complaint. The dean’s decision is considered final.