A grievance is a work-related problem that is not due to an act or omission that relates to disciplinary action as described in the Faculty Disciplinary Proceedings section of the SGU University Handbook. A grievance can arise out of an improper application of university policy or violation of their appointments. It is a process through which an individual can address complaints and seek remedies, usually in instances where a perceived administrative injustice is perpetrated, or there is a breakdown in inter-collegiate relations, or dissatisfaction with formal faculty representative structures and their operations. Employment decisions are not subject to the grievance procedures, nor are allegations of misconduct and/or serious violations of workplace policies, including, but not limited to, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, violence, theft, and allegations of violations of law are not subject to the grievance procedure. The grievance procedure should also not be used to challenge the desirability of an academic unit or any University policies. Once a grievance is filed, the matter may not be tabled or discussed in any university body, except those entrusted with finalizing the proceedings. The filing of a vexatious, intentionally false grievance against any member of the University may constitute misconduct for which disciplinary action may be appropriate.
Student to Faculty Grievance
Students have multiple avenues to raise grievances against faculty for professional misconduct related to a faculty member’s performance of their duties in an institutional setting, depending on the nature of the grievance, which will be handled in accordance with relevant University policies and handbooks.
Grade Query
Students can query grades within 48 hours of posting by the course faculty. To query a grade, students should provide the following information in writing, within the due time, to the Course Director:
- Student ID
- Course Name and Number
- Exact title of the assessment or exam being queried
- Current grade assigned
- Aspect(s) of the grading that is queried
- Select the reason for requesting a review of the grade form the following list:
- Score missing from gradebook
- Discrepancies between ExamSoft mastery reports and gradebook entries,
- Incorrect summation of scores in the gradebook,
- Other verifiable clerical or recording errors.
Errors reported later than the 48-hour period will not be considered for correction. The Course Instructor will announce on the course site when grades are posted.
Queries that lack evidence, or that are based on personal or extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, anxiety, family issues, inability to meet course requirements), do not constitute a valid grade query.
The instructor/course director, in consultation with other course leadership, such as track director, will review properly filed grade appeals and provide a determination within 2 business days of the appeal deadline.