The following sequence of steps should be pursued by any student when voicing a complaint about a course instructor. This primary recourse is available to all students. At the end of each semester, students are provided an opportunity to evaluate their classes and teachers. Students should use this opportunity to express their opinions.
If the nature of the complaint is sufficiently complex and significant, students may express their concerns in a stepwise progression. That is, all students must complete step one before completing step two and so on.
Step 1. All students should discuss their concerns with their course instructor first. This step may be in person or in writing.
Step 2. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the consultation with the course instructor, the next step is to formally submit a letter to the Department Chair. This must be in writing and should include documentation. The Chair should gather information from both the student and the faculty member and reach a decision as to the merits of the complaint.
Step 3. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the consultation with the Department Chair, the next step is to submit the formal complaint to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This appeal must be in writing. It must include a written narrative of the case from the student, it must include documentation and it must be signed. The Dean will gather information from the instructor and/or department chair and will reach a decision as to the merits of the complaint.
Step 4. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the consultation with the Dean, the last step is an appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs. This appeal must be a written narrative of the case from the student, must include documentation and must be signed. This narrative and documentation should be sent to the Office of Academic Affairs.
