The student should first discuss the perceived offense, orally or in writing, with the individual(s) most directly responsible to attempt to resolve the matter. If no resolution results, the student should then consult with the individual at the next higher administrative level at the University. Every effort should be made to resolve the issues at an informal level before proceeding to the status of a formal grievance.

If the informal efforts of resolution are not successful, the student should set forth, in writing, the substance of the alleged offense, the grounds on which the student is basing the complaint, and the efforts taken to date to resolve the matter. It is at this point that the complaint becomes a formal grievance. The written grievance should be submitted to the School Dean in a timely fashion, i.e., normally within thirty days of the end of the academic term in which the alleged offense occurred or should have reasonably been discovered.

The School Dean shall promptly initiate an investigation and prepare a report, normally within thirty days of receipt of the written grievance. In undertaking the investigation, a written response to the issues raised in the grievance may be requested from individuals believed to have information relevant to the matter, including faculty, staff, and students. Both parties to the grievance will be given an opportunity to comment in writing on the responses. Review of a grievance normally shall be limited to the following considerations:

Given proper facts, criteria, and procedure, was the decision a reasonable one?