Addressing Student Academic Complaints

I am a student with a complaint, and I don’t know where to direct it. Where can I get information and advice?

The University of Minnesota takes student complaints and grievances seriously and has processes in place to ensure that complaints are addressed appropriately and in a timely manner. Helpful resources and information about the channels for student complaints are provided on the respective One Stop student services web site:

Crookston: https://onestop.crk.umn.edu/student-complaints-and-grievances

Duluth: https://onestop.d.umn.edu/terms-and-conditions/student-complaints-and-grievances

Morris: https://onestop.morris.umn.edu/terms-and-conditions/student-complaints-and-grievances

Rochester: https://r.umn.edu/student-life/campus-safety-and-community-standards/student-handbook/grievance-procedures

Twin Cities: https://onestop.umn.edu/terms-and-conditions/student-complaints-and-grievances

I don't agree with the grade I received from my instructor. Is there anything I can do?

While grades are not subject to complaint, you are entitled to an explanation for the grade assigned. If you are not able to get an explanation for the grade from your instructor, consult the appropriate director for undergraduate students or department chair. Students also may wish to seek assistance from the Student Conflict Resolution Office. An instructor's judgment in assigning a grade is not a subject for a formal hearing, and can only be reviewed through these informal processes.

I have been dismissed by my college for academic reasons.  What steps can I take to challenge the dismissal?  What is my enrollment status while the dispute is pending? 

If your college or program has an appeal process for dismissals, you must follow that process before filing a student academic complaint.  Your enrollment continues while the appeal is pending.  If your appeal is denied, your enrollment ends and you may file a student academic complaint at that point. If your academic complaint is successful, you then would be reinstated as a student.

A student has a complaint about sexual harassment by a University employee. Where should the student go? 

A student with a complaint of sexual harassment by a University employee (1) can seek assistance from the campus equal opportunity office (see Administrative Policy: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence) or (2) can bring a student academic complaint under this policy and procedure, where applicable. If the student chooses the latter, the University will provide training for resolving the complaint under this procedure to all administrators and other staff who are authorized to investigate or resolve student complaints of sexual harassment. Colleges can contact the Office of General Counsel (612-624-4100) or the campus's equal opportunity office to arrange the training.