14.1 Student Complaints

Owned by Janelle Theisen
Last updated: May 20, 2024 by Mary Schock
2 min read

Academic Student Complaints   

Student complaints may be of an academic nature including instructional methodology, grading,  

testing, assignments, or the like. The following procedure is not for formal student complaints seeking resolution through academic appeals. Please refer to the Northwestern Student Handbook for appeal processes.   

Academic Appeals: Grade change, Academic Integrity  

  

Non-Academic Student Complaints   

Student complaints may be of a non-academic nature including for example, complaints regarding SON services, IT support, facilities, policies, financial matters, or the like.   

   

The following procedure is not for formal student complaints seeking resolution through nonacademic appeals, or for discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct issues. Please refer to the Northwestern Student Handbook for these complaints.    

Student Life Appeals   

Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct (Title IX)   

   

Informal Student Complaint and Resolution Procedures   

  • Course-related appeals (e.g., course grades, class expectations, unfair or discriminatory action, etc.) for traditional undergraduate courses are to be submitted to the Registrar, chair of the ad hoc appeals committee. However, before an appeal is submitted, the student must attempt to resolve the issue by:

    • Speaking with the professor or party directly involved with the decision

    • Speaking with the department chair, if the issue remains unresolved (in the event that the department Chair is the professor in question, the student should speak with the Assistant Dean)

    • If the issue remains unresolved, the Assistant Dean will convene a School of Nursing ad hoc committee for review

    • If the issue remains unresolved after appealing to the SON ad hoc committee, the student should speak with the Assistant Dean

    • Appealing to the university ad hoc appeals committee, if still unresolved.

  • An appeal must include an explanation of the situation and a reason for the appeal, and, for appeals not related to academic suspension, it must be based upon one or more of the following:

    • The student, in fact, did not commit the act(s) that led to the academic-related or course-related action.

    • The academic-related or course-related action is not appropriate for the act(s) committed.

    • Specified procedures have not been followed in academically disciplining the student.

  • If an appeal is made, the Registrar will call for an ad hoc appeals committee meeting with the committee members composed of faculty.

     

    The decision of the appeals committee serves as a recommendation of action to the Registrar. The final decision will be placed in writing by the Registrar and communicated to the student in a timely manner. The written notification will also inform the student that the decision is final with no additional appeal recourse.  

  

Formal Student Complaint and Resolution Procedures: Institution of Appeals Processes   

  

  1. After following the steps as outlined above, if the student is not satisfied with the process, a formal appeals procedure may be initiated through the University’s appeals procedures.   

  1. Written documentation regarding the resolution will be placed in the student’s file and maintained for five (5) years past the student’s last date of attendance.   

   

Please refer to the following links for appeals procedures:   

Academic Appeals: Grade change, Academic Integrity 

Student Life Appeals: Student Appeal Process  Â