Academic Grievance Policy

The Faculty of Roberts Wesleyan College determines and enforces the academic standards of the College. When possible, disagreements between a student and a faculty member should be resolved informally; when necessary, a faculty member shall follow the relevant policies and procedures to resolve the issue. If review by all relevant parties and committees has not resulted in an acceptable resolution, a student may file a formal Academic Grievance.

Academic grievances may originate with such student complaints as: perceived violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of course or program requirements; unfair or inequitable treatment by a faculty member; unjustified accusations concerning academic integrity; unfair or inequitable application of grading policies; and the like.  (Roberts Wesleyan College abides by a six-month statute of limitations for filing an academic grievance, which must be resolved within a reasonable period of time.)

Steps to achieve informal resolution

A student who has an academic grievance against a faculty member should first speak directly to that person. If the matter cannot be resolved, the student should contact the faculty member’s Department Chair (if applicable and appropriate, the Chair will consult with the Program Director).

Steps to initiate and resolve a formal grievance

If the matter remains unresolved, within 10 business days* of meeting with the Department Chair or Program Director,

1. The student shall submit a formal, written grievance to the Dean of the School.
2. The Dean shall, within ten business days* of receiving the written grievance, appoint and convene an Ad Hoc Committee composed of: two faculty members from within the School (at the discretion of the Dean, one of these faculty members could be from the relevant Department); one faculty member from outside the School; and a student representative appointed by the Student Association (typically either President or Vice-President) or, in Nontraditional or Graduate programs, by the Department Chair. (Faculty members included in the informal process to resolve the complaint, or close friends of the student appointee shall not be appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee. The Student appointee shall not currently be enrolled in courses with the student and shall not be within the same Academic Major or Program Cohort). At the discretion of the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, additional relevant personnel may be included on or consulted by the Ad Hoc Committee (e.g., a representative of Student Development).
3. As soon as the Ad Hoc Committee is appointed, the members shall receive a copy of the student's written Grievance and a summary of the previous meetins(s) seeking resolution. One of the faculty members shall be designated as convener and Chair for ensuing meetings.
4. Once Committee members have had an opportunity to review relevant materials, the Ad Hoc Committee shall meet with the individuals involved. Depending on the nature of the incident and grievance, the student and faculty member may appear separately or together. The purpose of such meetings is to pursue information included in written materials, hear additional supporting evidence, and ask clarifying questions.
5. The Ad Hoc Committee shall deliberate and make a ruling, using a simple majority vote. The student shall receive a written copy of the ruling. (Steps 3-5 should be completed within ten business days*).
6. Any further appeal shall be filed with the Provost/Chief Academic Officer (or appropriate designee) who has the right to consult with additional personnel relevant to the situation. If the Provost/Chief Academic Officer finds no reasonable cause to contest the ruling, the decision of the Ad Hoc Committee shall stand, and the student shall be notified in writing within ten business days of receipt of the appeal. The student, Dean, Department Chair, and the faculty member shall receive a written copy of the ruling.
7. Once the grievance is resolved, proceedings of the meetings involved shall be filed in the Dean's office. If the process involves the Provost/Chief Academic Officer, the proceedings of the meetings shall also be filed in that office.
8. Any resultant disciplinary action shall be addressed in accordance with professorial jurisdiction (e.g., grading) and institutional policies (e.g., Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures).
9. If a final ruling is in favor of the student, the Provost/Chief Academic Officer, in consultation with the Dean and the Department Chair, will work with the faculty member to determine the appropriate implemenation action.
10. If Academic Integrity and Grievance Procedures do not lead to resolution, the final arbirter shal be the Provost/Chief Academic Officer.

*Ten business dasy refers to ten days when the College offices are open.