Student Complaints and Grievances Procedure (Draft)

Purpose:

This procedure establishes the steps involved in processing a non-academic student complaint or grievance at Winona State University (WSU).

Rationale for Revision and Major Changes:

(This is for stakeholder review, not for publishing)

This policy draft is a proposed update for a legacy regulation:

• WSU 4-2 Student Grievance Procedure Regulation

This procedure has not changed. It does remove the previous definition of “student” that previously included “a group of students, or the student government,” making it clear that the grievance procedure is for an individual student.

Suggested Stakeholder feedback deadline:

Feedback should be provided using this WSU form by 11/01/2024.

Procedure:

A. Process for Raising and Addressing a Student Complaint or Grievance

1. Student Meeting

A student with a complaint meets with the faculty, staff member, or university administrator directly involved in the dispute. If the complaint remains unresolved or if the student feels unsafe approaching the employee, they may proceed to Step 2.

2. Student Written Account

The student files a written account of the grievance with either the appropriate academic dean (in cases involving teaching faculty) or the appropriate supervisor (in cases involving other university employees). Student should include a statement indicating their intention to proceed with the grievance and the relief requested in the written account (e-mail is acceptable).

3. Response to Written Account

The academic dean, appropriate supervisor, or designee responds to the student in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the written, signed notice of grievance.

4. Appeal of Unresolved Grievance

If the grievance remains unresolved after Step 2, the student may appeal to the vice president for that area. The vice president considers the appeal and makes a decision, responding to the student in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the written, signed notice of appeal. The vice president’s decision is final and binding. If a student experiences retaliation for filing a grievance, they should meet with the dean, supervisor, or designee from Step 2 or Step 3.

Related documents:

• Minnesota State Board Policy 3.8 (Student Complaints and Grievances)

Related definitions:

[4-2] Complaint:

An oral claim by a student alleging improper, unfair or arbitrary treatment.

[4-2] Grievance:

A written claim raised by a student, alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory action by an employee involving the application of a specific provision of a university rule/regulation or a Minnesota State board policy or procedure.

[4-2] Retaliation:

Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating in a complaint or grievance.

Authorizing Policy:

• 4-2 Student Complaints and Grievances Policy (Draft)

History:

Date of Revisions: 08/17/2007

Adoption date: 08/18/1988
Implementation date: 01/01/2099