Student Academic Concerns
The University expects students to learn and to follow academic policies and procedures as stated in the Undergraduate/Graduate Catalogs, the Ram's Eye View Student Handbook, and department or academic program handbooks. If a question or problem should arise concerning a course, a grade, a course of study, an academic requirement, or any other academic issue, the student should first consult the appropriate University or program document. If the student then believes it is necessary to seek a personal resolution of a problem from a University official, he or she should follow these guidelines:
- STEP 1: The student discusses the problem with the relevant professor or with his or her academic adviser.
- STEP 2: If there is no resolution at Step 1, the student discusses the problem with the appropriate department chairperson.
- STEP 3: If there is no resolution at Step 2, the student discusses the problem with the appropriate College Dean. The Dean has final authority on college academic policies and procedures.
- STEP 4: If the academic problem involves a University-wide policy or procedure, and if there is no resolution at Step 3, the undergraduate student may bring the problem to the Registrar. The graduate student may bring the problem to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Provost has final authority on University academic policies and procedures.
The University considers students to be adults who take responsibility for solving their own problems. Furthermore, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prevents University officials from discussing a student’s academic record/performance with anyone except the student unless they bring another person to a meeting with a University official.