OPTIONS FOR STUDENT COMPLAINTS (summary)

CURRENT PROCEDURES for Undergraduate & Graduate Students

1. Speak directly to the person against whom you have a complaint. If not resolved:
   
2. Speak to that person's Departmental Chairperson. If not resolved:
   
3. Meet with the Associate Dean for Teacher Education and Student Services (TEP students) or the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Graduate Programs (graduate students). If not resolved:
   
4. File a written statement with the Dean of the College of Education.
   

If no resolution, go to the University Ombudsperson.

ALTERNATIVES TO CURRENT PROCEDURES

The faculty and staff of the College of Education have every expectation that you will be successful and happy here. However, we also recognize that occasionally students may find themselves in a situation that requires assistance. The University of Iowa and the College of Education have clear policies designed to protect student rights. The policies can be found in a variety of locations including the University Catalog and the University's web site. If you feel your rights have been violated:

1. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities. You may obtain copies of relevant policies from a number of locations including:
   

    

   • The Office of the Dean, College of Education, N459 Lindquist Center, 335-6111
     
   • The Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity, 202 Jessup Hall, 335-0705
     
   • The Office of the Vice President for Student Services/Dean of Students, 249 Iowa Memorial Union, 335-3557
     
   • The Graduate College, 205 Gilmore Hall, 335-2144
     
   • The University Catalog
     
   • The University Operations Manual's policy on Professional Ethics and Academic Responsibilities
     
   • The University's web site on Policies Affecting Students
     

2. Seek information and support. Talking with someone often helps to lessen isolation and may help you to develop productive strategies and make decisions. However, it is necessary, in an ethical environment, that you take care to secure the confidence of the person with whom you are speaking. That may be a friend, family member, mentor, or counselor. The questions that might be helpful to ask could include:
   
   • What happened here and how do I feel about it?
     Is what happened to me within the norms of my academic community? Are those healthy, ethical norms?
     
   • If I feel badly about what happened, what can I do about it? What are my options and what are the possible consequences of each?

3. Explore your informal and formal options. Before pursuing resolution, document the incidents that have occurred. If possible, include dates, locations, context, and as much detail information as you can remember. Keep copies of all correspondence and document all contacts.

   Following are the steps in the College of Education's current written procedures:

   • If possible, talk to the person you have a complaint about directly or write a letter. Be prepared to clearly articulate your concerns and the resolution you are seeking.
     
   • If you are uncomfortable talking directly to the person you have a complaint about or cannot resolve the problem, talk to the departmental executive officer. If you don't know who this is, ask other students or ask a faculty member.
     
   • If the problem remains unresolved, talk to the appropriate Associate Dean.  Undergraduates and master's level students in the teacher education program should contact the Associate Dean for Teacher Education and Student Services, N310 LC, 335-5336. Graduate students should contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Programs, N459 LC, 335-5383.
     
   • If there is still no resolution, file a written report with the Dean of the College of Education, N459 LC, 335-6111.

   If you are not satisfied with the actions of the Dean, you may seek assistance from one or more of the other sources that are always available to you:

   • If it seems there is no appropriate policy or office, contact the Office of the University Ombudsperson, C108 Seashore Hall, 335-3608. This office responds to problems from faculty, staff, and students, which appear unresolvable through existing procedures or systems.
     
   • Graduate students may contact the Associate Dean of the Graduate College, 205 Gilmore Hall, 335-2144.
     
   • Undergraduate students may contact the Dean of Students, 249 IMU, 335-3557.
     
   • If the issue is a discrimination or harassment issue and you prefer not to talk to anyone in the College, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity directly. That office will provide formal or informal support and guidance. If you should elect to file a formal complaint and initiate an investigation, this is where you do it.

Confidentiality is always a major concern when violations occur. Only you have the right to go "public" with a complaint. A DEO, a Dean, or any campus office will maintain confidentiality if you request that they do so (unless there is a life in danger). It is also possible to talk about incidents without "naming names". You can control the process.

approved August 2001

updated August 2006

POLICY & PROCEDURE QUESTIONS: Contact Judy Brewer.