Academic Grievances
Definition of Academic Grievance
Instructors have full authority to determine their course policies, teaching approach, and grading procedures so long as those are in accordance with other relevant university policies.
The university will therefore only change an instructor’s academic decision in rare cases – specifically, when there is evidence that the instructor did not follow Policy 4002.2.3.1 (Standards of Conduct - Faculty Responsibilities to Students) of the Utah State University Policy Library.
A student may file an academic grievance if they believe that an instructor, academic supervisor, or committee member has not met their responsibilities to students as described in section 4002.2.3.1.
An academic grievance can involve concerns such as how grading procedures were applied, whether course policies were followed, decisions made by graduate committees, practicum or internship evaluations, or other academic activities that significantly impact a student’s grades, record, or progress toward their degree.
This process is not intended to address concerns related to disability-related accommodations, discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Concerns involving the implementation or denial of disability accommodations should be directed to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) through its established resolution processes. Allegations of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct should be addressed through the University’s Civil Rights and Title IX processes.
When a concern involves multiple issues, each issue will be reviewed and addressed separately through the appropriate University process applicable to that issue.
1. Initial Resolution Efforts
Students and instructors/supervisors/committees should first make a reasonable effort to resolve the concern directly. If additional support is needed, the student may meet with the department head of the department offering the course to explore possible solutions. These early resolution efforts should be documented in writing (e.g., email).
2. Department Review
If the issue remains unresolved, the student may submit a written grievance using the online academic grievance form. Any documentation of earlier resolution efforts should be included. The department head is responsible for reviewing the grievance and will review the appeal, along with the written response from 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 action or decision took place. The department head must render a decision within 10 working days of receiving the appeal.
3. Academic Standards Subcommittee Review
If either the student or the instructor/supervisor/committee is not satisfied with the department head’s decision, they 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 materials from all parties and make a recommendation to the Office of the Dean within 30 days of receiving the request. The Academic Standards Subcommittee may seek clarification from either party as needed.
To request a review, please contact the Chair of the Academic Standards Committee.
4. Dean’s Review
All written materials will be sent to the Office of the Dean of the academic college for review. The Office of the Dean will issue a decision within 10 working days of receiving the Academic Standards Subcommittee’s recommendation.
If a violation of section 4002.2.3.1 of the faculty code is found, the decision by the Office of the Dean’s will include a plan to address the issue.
The decision by the Office of the Dean is considered final.
