Grievance and Appeal Process

Financial Aid Suspension Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal the suspension of their financial aid due to failure to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements may contact [email protected] to initiate an appeal. Refer to Policy 1218 Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress for more information.

Grade Appeal

Students who wish to appeal a grade in a class or on an assignment refer to Policy 1211 Grade Appeal.

Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, Title IX Complaints

If a complaint pertains to sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sex-based discrimination, follow Policy 1016 Title IX Sexual Harassment. For complaints of harassment or discrimination based on any other protected class, or that do not meet the jurisdictional requirements of Policy 1016, follow Policy 1004 Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment. Students may report complaints using the UWS Safe app or by contacting the Title IX coordinator.

Student Complaints and Appeals

A complaint may pertain to the conduct of a member of the university student body, faculty, staff, governing board, administration or third parties (i.e., individuals who are neither students nor employees, including but not limited to prospective students, guests, volunteers, contractors, and consultants). Students may report a complaint via the UWS Safe app or by contacting the associate vice president for student affairs and registration.

An appeal is a written request to modify an institutional decision or disciplinary action. Students who wish to file an appeal must submit a written request for appeal to the appropriate university administrator as outlined in Policy 9009 Student Appeal of a University Decision.

Retaliatory or adverse action may not be taken against a member of the campus community for reporting a complaint.

In addition to the institution’s complaint policy and procedure, complaints regarding the university or specific programs may be addressed to the corresponding agencies. Postsecondary distance education students can file complaints with the SARA State Portal Entity of Oregon, listed below.