Student Grievance Procedure Regulation

Purpose:

This regulation describes the method of processing a student grievance at Winona State University (WSU). This procedure shall not substitute for other grievance procedures specified in Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board policies, Winona State University policies and regulations, or negotiated agreements.

Note: This legacy regulation is currently being considered for updating to a formal Policy and Procedure set:

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

Regulation:

A. General Statement Of Policy

A student has the right to seek a remedy for a dispute or disagreement. No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participation in a complaint or grievance.

B. Procedure

Step 1

When a student has a complaint/grievance, s/he shall first meet on an informal basis with the faculty, staff member, or university administrator directly involved in the dispute in an attempt to resolve the complaint/grievance.

Step 2

When a student has a complaint/grievance which remains unresolved after consultation with the faculty member, staff member, or university administrator directly involved in the dispute, s/he shall file a written account of his/her grievance with the appropriate academic dean in cases where the dispute involves teaching faculty, or the appropriate supervisor in cases where the dispute involves other university employees.

This notification shall contain a statement indicating the intention of the party to proceed with the grievance, and the relief requested. The academic dean, appropriate supervisor, or designee, shall respond in writing to the student(s) within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the written, signed notice of grievance.

Step 3

If the grievance is not resolved at the Step 2 meeting, the student(s) may appeal to the vice president for that area. The vice president shall consider the appeal and make a decision. The VP shall respond in writing to the student within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the written, signed notice of appeal. The decision of the vice president is final and binding

Related Documents

• Minnesota State Policy 3.8 (Student Complaints and Grievances)

• Minnesota State Procedure 3.8.1 (Student Complaints and Grievances)

Related definitions:

[4-2] Appeal:

A request for reconsideration of a grievance application of a policy or procedure.

[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.

[4-2] Student:

An individual student, a group of students, or the student government.

History:

Adoption date: 08/18/1988
Implementation date: 08/13/2007