Academic & Institutional Policies

In the event that a student perceives unfair or inappropriate treatment in his/her academic endeavors, s/he should address the issue directly with the person or people involved. If the issue is not resolved in this manner, the student has the right to file a formal grievance.

Academic grievances include, but are not limited to, disputes involving grading, testing, or program requirements, as well as any problem related to harassment, discrimination, or any other treatment that is felt to be unreasonable. Exclusions from this procedure include grievances related to sexual harassment or financial aid, which are handled through specific OHSU departments.

In resolving an academic grievance, it is the responsibility of the student to initiate the following procedure, within a recommended time period of two weeks after the problem has occurred.

Procedure to be followed by the student:

1. discuss the issue with the person or people with whom the grievance is lodged.

2. if it is not resolved at this level, submit a written, formal statement of the issue to both the Department Head and the Educational Services Manager, then

3. schedule a meeting with the Department Head and Educational Services Manager to discuss the issue. In the rare case in which the grievance is not resolved at this level, or cannot be resolved in the specified time period of two months,

4. appeal to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for review by the Academic Grievance Committee.

Every grievance must be resolved within two months of the date the complaint was first brought to attention unless it requires the attention of the Academic Grievance Committee and/or the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The Academic Grievance Committee has the right to dismiss grievances it considers without merit.

If the grievance is with the Department Head, the written statement detailing the problem may be sent directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for review. It is still important to first discuss the grievance with the Department Head in an attempt to resolve the problem.

If a student, for any reason, feels uncomfortable with any part of the grievance procedure, s/he may first bring the grievance to his/her advisor, the Graduate Education Director, or the Educational Services Manager, any of whom may provide direction or assistance in resolving the grievance.

The Composition of the Academic Grievance Committee

When the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs receives formal notice of a grievance, s/he will appoint a faculty member as Chair to head the Academic Grievance Committee. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Chair will work together to select one additional faculty member and one student to serve on the Academic Grievance Committee. Additionally, the committee may include the Graduate Education Director and/or the Educational Services Manager. No person directly involved in the grievance may serve on the committee.

The Educational Services Manager will schedule meeting dates and times, which shall be based on the availability of both the committee members and the student filing the grievance. Meetings may be called as needed.

The Review

The student shall be given every reasonable opportunity to present the case to the review committee. Papers, examinations, written testimonies of faculty members, and other documents which indicate performance may be submitted to the committee for review. The student will have the opportunity to verbally present his/her case to the committee alone or with the aid of witnesses.

The person against whom there is a grievance shall also have the opportunity to present his/her defense to the review committee. Again, a course syllabus, grade sheets, and other documentation may be given to the committee for their review. S/he shall also have the opportunity to explain to the committee the rationale and reasons for the action. S/he may also be supported by witnesses.

Decisions of the Academic Grievance Committee may include, but are not limited to, changes in grades, changes in the student's program requirements, or dismissal from the Institute. The student may appeal the decision first to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and subsequently to OHSU's Provost in accordance with OHSU's Student Appeal Procedures listed later in this handbook. Appeals to the Provost may only be made on procedural or legal grounds or if new material relevant to the grievance becomes available.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2003 by Web Manager