Student Grievance Procedures

Academic-Related Grievances

Academic grievances involving grade disputes should be discussed with the course instructor. Grade disputes that are not resolved and all other academic grievances of undergraduate students should be submitted in writing to the department chair or other designated administrator of the academic program to which the grievance relates. Appeals may be directed to the appropriate academic dean, who will render the final decision. A grade will not be changed by the department chair (or other designated administrator) and/or the dean without first consulting with and considering fully the position of the course instructor. The course instructor will be advised by the department chair, another appropriate administrator, or dean of the resolution of the grievance.

Procedures for the resolution of grievances of graduate students are specified in the Handbook of Operating Procedures 9-1240.

The dean of the college or school in which a student is enrolled has jurisdiction over the student’s program of study, degree requirements, and all other academic matters, including grievances, except as described below. A student pursuing simultaneous majors in two colleges is considered to be enrolled in both colleges and is under the jurisdiction of both deans. Students taking a course in a college or school other than the one(s) in which they are enrolled are subject, so far as the course and academic grievances regarding the course are concerned, to the dean of the college or school in which the course is offered. Procedures for cases of alleged academic dishonesty are given in Appendix C, Sec 11-402.

Student Program and Student Activity Related Grievances

Grievances related to non-academic student programs and activities should be submitted in writing to the dean of students or director of the specific student affairs area. Appeals may be directed to the vice president for student affairs, and then to the president for final disposition.

Appendix C of this catalog describes the institutional rules on student services and activities and includes provisions for formal hearings. Additional information on these provisions is available from the Office of the Dean of Students.

Disability-related grievances. No qualified disabled student shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic program or activity at The University of Texas at Austin. Complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability should be submitted according to the procedures outlined in the Nondiscrimination Policy, Appendix I. The policy is in accord with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Sex discrimination and sexual conduct. The following policies address sex discrimination and sexual conduct:

• Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Misconduct, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking, Appendix D
• Policy on Consensual Relationships, Appendix F

Hate and bias incidents. The policy regarding acts of hate or bias and reporting such incidents is described in HOP 9-1810.