Resolving Concerns

Exploring and Resolving Concerns

Procedures

If you are visiting this site it is likely that you have a concern that relates to your affiliation with the College of Education. We want you to know that our goal in the Office of Student Services is to provide accurate and timely information, guidance and support to all COE students.

To assure that we know of your concerns, the College implemented the Student Complaint Policy. As you may need to explore a concern or complaint, please be certain that you review and follow the guidelines of the policy "Student Procedures for Filing a Complaint in the College of Education, below."

Student Procedures for Filing a Complaint

At The University of Akron, students have certain rights and responsibilities as stated in The University of Akron Office of General Counsel Rules (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 and equitable 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 adviser. However, other levels may be incrementally involved to assist the student. To assure that a problem is fully explored, complaints that reach the level of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services are entered into a log maintained securely in the Office of Student Services or department and tracked through final resolution. Graduate students should follow the procedures outlined in University Rule 3359-24-02 (http://www.uakron.edu/ogc/UniversityRules/pdf/24-02.pdf) .

Level 1: Complaint/Concern brought forward to administrator/faculty/program adviser/staff at the level of occurrence.

When is this level appropriate?

If at all possible, the student should request resolution of a concern or complaint at the level of occurrence. For example, concerns about advising, assignments, activities, or grades should be discussed with the instructor prior to requesting intervention by the department chair. If resolution of the issue is not obtained at this level or is viewed as unable to be resolved at Level 1, the student may proceed to Level 2.

Level 2: Department Chairperson or level of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services if Complaint is regarding Administrator

When is this level appropriate?

1. The student disagrees with the resolution offered at the level of occurrence and requests reconsideration. For example, a student can provide documentation or information that contradicts the appropriateness of the resolution at the level of occurrence and believes the concern requires involvement of an impartial third party.
2. The student requests an initial resolution of a concern 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 concern, initial inquiry can be made to the appropriate department chairperson or to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services.). If resolution is not obtained, proceed to Level 3.

Level 3: College Level - Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services

When is this level appropriate?

Consider an appeal to the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services when documentation and factual information provided by the student contradicts the appropriateness of the resolution of the concern at the previous level. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services will attempt to resolve the concern.  If the issue remains unresolved, the student may request a meeting with the Dean of the College.

Level 4: University Level - Vice Provost for Academic Operations

When is this level appropriate?

1. If the fairness of the action is still viewed by the student as unacceptable, the issue may, in most instances, be directed to the Vice Provost for Academic Operations.

Additional Information:

1. There may be certain instances when a written explanation of the complaint is required and/or supporting documentation.
2. While efforts will be made to maintain confidentiality, it is not possible to guarantee that all communications will be confidential as some resolutions require consultation with appropriate individuals.

Complaints involving sexual harassment should follow specific procedures set forth in University Rule 3359-13 (http://www.uakron.edu/ogc/UniversityRules/pdf/11-13.pdf)