Student Grievance Committee (SGC)

The policy and procedures governing student academic complaints are detailed in the University Policy Register under section 3342-4-02.3. In accordance with this policy, the School shall maintain a Student Grievance Committee for the purpose of resolving student grievances. Committee membership shall be composed of two faculty and two students (one undergraduate and one graduate). The FAC elects and recommends to the Director two faculty members to serve on the SGC. The Communication Graduate Student Association elects and recommends to the Director one graduate student to serve on the SGC. The Communication Undergraduate Student Association elects and recommends to the Director one undergraduate student to serve on the SGC. All elections are for 1-year terms and normally should take place at the beginning of the academic year. The Director shall appoint one of the faculty committee members to chair the SGC. Should a conflict of interest exist for any committee member, the School Director, in consultation with the FAC, shall name a temporary replacement to the SGC (any faculty member involved in the grievance shall not participate in such consultation). If the conflict of interest involves the committee chair, the other faculty member shall serve as temporary chair of the SGC.

When grievances arise out of student-faculty related problems, the student and the faculty member should attempt to resolve the problem. If no acceptable solution is reached, the following steps should be taken:

  1. The student should consult with his/her academic advisor. If no satisfactory solution is reached with the advisor, the problem should be referred to the Undergraduate Coordinator or the Graduate Coordinator, as appropriate.
  2. If, after consultation with the faculty member, the advisor, and the Undergraduate or Graduate Coordinator, the student is not satisfied with the resolution of the grievance, he/she shall notify  in writing the chair of the SGC, requesting a hearing by the Committee.
  3. All parties involved in grievances referred to the Committee will submit written statements describing the situation. Students and faculty involved in grievances may present their cases in person to the Committee, if they so desire.
  4. Recommendations of the Student Grievance Committee shall be forwarded to the School Director for disposition. The Director's decision will be binding on all parties, unless and until appealed to the College Dean.