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The College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) is committed to providing all students with productive and respectful course experiences. Recognizing that circumstances occasionally arise that might stand in conflict with this commitment, the CASL Dean's Office has adopted the following policy.

Types of Complaints

This policy applies to complaints arising from problematic course-related interactions between faculty and students and issues surrounding course administration. This policy shall not apply to complaints that allege discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight or veteran's status. Complaints that involve such allegations shall be handled through the University's Office of Institutional Equity. Additionally, this policy does not apply to disputes over grades.

Resolution Process:

I. Consultation with the instructor

The first step in dealing with any classroom issue is to communicate concerns with the instructor of the course. This initial conversation should take place as soon as possible after the incidents) that prompted the concern. In general, the student should communicate their concerns to the instructor in writing and then schedule an appointment, if necessary. Every effort should be made to gain agreement between the student and the faculty member without further intervention. In extraordinary cases, where the issues cannot be resolved in this manner, a student may take the complaint to the chair of the department where the faculty member is appointed. In cases where the course instructor is also serving as department chair, unresolved complaints should be directed to the Associate Dean.

Il. Mediation from the Chair

To start this process, the student (either graduate or undergraduate) must contact the chair of the department to which the faculty member is appointed. The student must convey in writing the basis for the complaint, with specific evidence in support of the argument that unfair treatment or a classroom impropriety occurred. The student must explain the reasons for their complaint. This document also should summarize the attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor and the outcome of the initial inquiry, indicating what aspects are in dispute.

Upon receipt of the written document, the Chair shall determine if the complaint pertains to a course tied to a college-wide program and, if so, contact the Associate Dean responsible for overseeing college-wide programs to ensure coordination between the Chair and the Associate Dean in mediating the complaint. The Chair will ask the instructor for a response to the specific claims made by the student. After receiving this information from both the student and the instructor, the Chair (in conjunction with the Associate Dean for courses tied to college-wide programs) will determine if sufficient evidence exists to intervene. If the Chair determines that there is insufficient evidence for an intervention, the matter is considered closed. The Chair shall communicate this decision in writing to the instructor, dean's office, and student.

If, on the other hand, it is determined that an intervention is warranted, the Chair (in conjunction with the Associate Dean for courses tied to college-wide programs) shall attempt to negotiate a resolution with the instructor. There is no further level of appeal.