Students are encouraged to address concerns or problems they have with Stevenson University programs or services in a timely manner. There are many channels a student may use to resolve a problem or conflict (examples include an academic advisor, Academic Program Administrator, School Dean, or other administrator) and good faith communication between members of the Stevenson community is often the best way to address concerns and resolve issues.
In the event that a resolution cannot be reached, the steps for general complaint procedures are outlined below. Specific procedures for the areas of grade appeal, academic misconduct, FERPA, sexual misconduct, and student conduct appeals, can be found here.
Complaints related to academic affairs, accessibility and disability services, discrimination and harassment, residence life, and general student concerns, reported under this policy will follow these procedures. However, the administrator who addresses the respective complaint will vary based on the nature of the complaint.
- Complaint: Students wishing to file a complaint can submit a report online, providing details of the complaint including what steps or actions occurred prior to submitting the report. Once submitted, the report will be routed to the appropriate administrator for review. The administrator or their designee will contact the student via their Stevenson email and begin an investigation into the complaint within five (5) business days of receipt of the report. Upon completion of the investigation, the administrator or their designee will notify the student of the decision in writing via their Stevenson email. The decision will be issued within fifteen business days of the initial receipt of the complaint, unless extenuating circumstances require a longer period of time.
- Appeal: If the student is dissatisfied with the decision, the student may submit an appeal by completing the appeal form and submitting it to the Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs within five (5) business days of receiving a decision on the original complaint. The appeal will be forwarded to the next-level administrator for review. The administrator or their designee will contact the student via their Stevenson email and begin their review within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal. Upon completion of the review, the administrator or their designee will notify the student of the decision in writing via their Stevenson email. The decision will be issued within fifteen business days of the initial receipt of the appeal, unless extenuating circumstances require a longer period of time. This decision will be the final decision of the University on the matter.
Reasons that decisions on complaints and appeals may exceed the expected time limits include, but are not limited to, inclement weather, University schedule issues, serious illness, or vacancy in positions. When the expected time limit for a decision will be exceeded, the complainant will be notified.
(Approved September 2025)