Grievance Procedures: Informal

University policy strongly encourages all students who believe they have a grievance to use all appropriate avenues for informal resolution before initiating a formal grievance. Students in Education are encouraged to discuss the issue with the faculty or staff member with whom the problem has arisen. If a satisfactory solution is not forthcoming, the student should discuss the issue with his or her adviser, the departmental director of graduate studies, the head/chair of the department and/or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who shall attempt to find a resolution acceptable to both parties. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue informal procedures that have been established at the departmental levels to resolve any conflicts before pursuing formal procedures at the college level. The student may also consult with the Graduate College, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Ombuds Office, the Office of International Student and Scholars Services, or other sources.