Graduate and Professional Student Grievance Procedures
For academic progress and other complaints
The graduate student grievance process may involve
several steps depending on the nature of the grievance.
There are many avenues available to Washington State
University graduate and professional students to resolve
differences that may arise during the pursuit of an
advanced degree. In general, the operational principal
that should be followed is to maintain open communication
at the most immediate point of access and to work upwards
from there when appropriate. This means that the student
should work with their major professor or advisor to
resolve matters if possible. The next level would be the
Department Chair or School Director. There are cases, of
course, where this is
difficult.
In these cases, graduate and professional students should make an appointment with one of the Associate Deans of the Graduate School for further advice. An important role of the Graduate School is to serve as an impartial arbitrator in these matters and to provide advice to both students and faculty that will result in the student continuing in good academic standing.
Grievance Procedures
3.1
Students are encouraged to first consult with their faculty advisor.
3.2
If the advisor is unable to resolve the problem the student is encouraged to discuss the problem with the department/program chair, director, and/or faculty liaison.
3.3
If the grievance cannot be resolved at the department or program level, the student should contact one of the Associate Dean’s of the Graduate School, or any person of the Graduate School designated by the Dean to hear student grievances (the Dean’s designee).
3.4
The Associate Dean will review the grievance and, at his
or her discretion, will recommend possible actions for
resolution.
In some instances (e.g. failed examinations, termination
of assistantship, etc.), the student may wish to appeal a
specific academic decision made by the departmental or
program faculty. The student must make these requests to
the Dean of the Graduate School in writing, with
signature (E-mail is not sufficient). Formal appeals must
be filed within 10 (ten) class days following a notice of
decision. The original decision will be held in
abeyance while under appeal.
3.5
The Dean will assign these formal appeals to one of the Associate Deans for full consideration.
3.6
If the Associate Dean deems it appropriate, the matter will be referred to an independent Committee on Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (CGSRR) for consideration and formulating recommendations of action to the Dean of the Graduate School.
3.7
Whichever method is used for resolution of the grievance, a final decision will be made by the Dean of the Graduate School. The decision made by the Dean on academic matters is final.
3.8
The graduate or professional student may appeal the final
decision of theDean of the Graduate School to the
Provost. The CGSRR will operate with due respect to the
rights of graduate students, faculty, and administrators
including the conduct of confidential interviews,
the
right of all parties to review and address allegations,
and the right to a fair
hearing. The CGSRR will deliberate and render a
recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School or the
Dean’s designee within 60 days of being formed.
Recommendations, other than dismissal, will be acted upon
by the Dean or the Dean’s designee. The decision of
the Dean is final.
Appeal based on procedural irregularities can be brought
before the Provost. The Provost will not reopen cases for
the purpose of re-investigating the grievance. The
student can seek judicial review within 30 days from the
date of the final decision pursuant to the Administrative
Procedures Act, RCW 34.05.010 et. seq.
Professional students within the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Pharmacy will follow College policies and procedures for the review of academic issues. Appeal of College level decisions can be made to the Graduate School.