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Office of Student Services
Student Procedure for Filing a Complaint
At The University of Akron, students have certain rights and responsibilities as stated in the The University of Akron Bylaws (3359-42-01-C2, 3359-11-13, 3359-41-01, or 3359-24-02) and in the Student Code of Conduct. Pursuant to these rights and responsibilities, the following policy sets forth procedures for students in the College of Education to follow to receive a fair hearing and equity in the resolution of complaints related to their affiliation with the College. To expedite a resolution, the procedure is designed to be initiated at the level closest to the issue. In many instances, the student will achieve this resolution through communication with a faculty member or program advisor. However, other levels may be incrementally involved to assist the student. To assure that a problem is fully explored, complaints that reach the department chairperson level are entered into a log maintained securely in the department and tracked through final disposition.
The appeal may be made verbally or in writing.
When is this level appropriate?
- The student requests resolution of a concern or complaint at the level of occurrence. (Example: A course related complaint--e.g., assignment, activity, or grade--must be discussed with the instructor prior to requesting intervention by a department chairperson.)
Level 2: Department Chairperson or level of Dean if Complaint is regarding Administrator
The appeal must be made in writing using the Student Complaint Form.
When is this level appropriate?
- The student disagrees with and requests reconsideration of the resolution to the complain rendered at the level of occurrence. (Example: A student can provide documentation or information that significantly questions the appropriateness of the resolution at the level of occurrence and believes the complaint requires involvement of an impartial third party. In example #1 above, the student would appeal the decision made by the faculty member and/or advisor to the appropriate department chairperson.)
- The student requests an initial resolution of a complaint at a level above the level of occurrence when there is concern with the potential for reprisal if resolution is attempted at the level of occurrence. (Example: If the student wishes clarification of his/her rights and fears reprisal if approaching the instructor directly with the complaint, initial inquiry can be made to the appropriate department chairperson.)
Level 3: College Level - Assistant Dean for Student Services
When is this level appropriate?
For an appeal to be addressed at this level, it must be accompanied by the completed Student Complaint Form signed by the department chairperson. At the College of Education level, the final appeal resides with the Office of the Assistant Dean for Student Services.
- Consider an appeal to the Office of the Assistant Dean for Student Services when documentation and factual information the student can provide directly contradict the appropriateness of the resolution of the complaint at the previous level. The Assistant Dean for Student Services, in collaboration with the Dean, may resolve the complaint. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, the student may request that the complaint be heard by the College Grievance Committee. (Example: The Assistant Dean for Student Services will review the appeal and enter into fact finding before rendering a final decision and/or referring the appeal to the College Grievance Committee. Decisions of the College Grievance Committee with be conveyed to the student by the Assistant Dean for Student Services.)
Level 4: University Level - Assistant Provost and Dean of Students
When is this level appropriate?
- If the fairness of the action is still viewed by the student as unacceptable, the issue may, in most instances, be directed to the Senior Vice-president and Provost. Complaints involving sexual harassment should follow specific procedures set forth in The University of Akron Bylaws section 3359-13. Complaints evolving from serious student misconduct may be directed to the Assistant Provost and Dean of Students.
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