University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Student Complaint Procedures
Policy #51

All members of the University community should have an opportunity to have their complaints heard. Students should feel confident that coming forward with complaints will not lead to retaliation. If a student has been unsatisfied with action taken as a result of bringing the concern to the attention of the person, or head of the unit or department in which there was a problem (for instance, academic concerns should be addressed to the instructor or the department chair), then the student should feel free to report the complaint to the Dean of Students Office (Wyllie 340).

The Dean of Students Office will provide assistance with complaints by furnishing printed resources on campus policies and procedures, suggesting resolutions and/or referring complaints to the appropriate University officials.

The University provides two processes for handling student complaints--an informal complaint process and a formal grievance process. The procedures are:

Complaint Process

The student (complainant) should contact the Dean of Students Office and complete a Complaint Form. Students are encouraged to report concerns within 30 days. If there are extenuating circumstances, reports may be filed late. On the form, students should provide information about the offense, and the desired outcome. The Dean will review the report, and intervene as appropriate.

Should a student wish to speak with a member of the Dean of Students staff about a problem, they are welcome to do so without filing a complaint. The staff member may advise the student on the matter. However, in most cases, there can be little or no intervention without a written complaint. These concerns will not be logged.

Formal Grievance Process

In serious instances, a student may wish to initiate a grievance against a member of the University faculty or staff. The student will follow the same procedures outlined above. The Dean would review the report and forward it the appropriate department/office for review and resolution.

The Dean of Students Office will compile a log of all complaints and grievances and compile an annual report which will be available to the campus community upon request.

For additional information about this procedure contact the Dean of Students Office, Wyllie 340, at 595-2598.