Florida State University offers several pathways for student complaints and appeals in the appropriate areas. Communication and feedback from students are considered key to the improvement of the institution. In addition to the multitude of complaint pathways, students are encouraged to resolve conflicts through less formal pathways such as direct contact with the person(s) involved. Many of the student grievance processes also encourage students to seek resolution at the point closest to the origin of the problem. Students will find this step-by-step guide helpful as they resolve academic problems.
Another resource available to students who may want to file a formal complaint is the Student Ombudspersons. The student ombudspersons are independent parties selected to provide informal assistance handled in a confidential manner. Communication with the student ombudsperson does not constitute notice to the university; the student ombudsperson assists with determining the appropriate course of action but does not file information on behalf of the student. The student ombudspersons are:
- Undergraduate Students
- Ms. Jill Flees
(850) 644-2138 undergraduateombuds@fsu.edu
- Ms. Jill Flees
- Graduate
- Mr. James Beck
Senior Graduate Policy Program Coordinator
FSU Graduate School
314 Westcott Building
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-8843
graduateombuds@fsu.edu
- Mr. James Beck
The following table provides information about written academic, non-academic, and other student complaints that result in a formal grievance process. For each grievance type, the responsible unit will aggregate and submit the written student complaints and their analysis of them to the Office of the Provost, consistent with university policy.
Type of Student Complaint | Office Responsible | Office Reviewing Complaints for Trends | Published location of the Complaint Process |
---|---|---|---|
Grade Appeals | Office of Faculty Development and Advancement | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement | Grade Appeals System |
Academic Honor Policy Appeals | Office of Faculty Development and Advancement | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement | Academic Resources |
General Academic Appeals | Office of Faculty Development and Advancement | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement | General Academic Appeals |
Residency Appeals | Office of Admissions | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement | Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes Policy |
Medical/Mental Health Course Drops & Withdrawals Appeals | Academic Dean’s Office | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement | Medical/Mental Health Withdrawal |
Alleged FERPA Violations | Registrar’s Office | University Registrar | Undergraduate and Graduate General Bulletins (Page 12) |
Student Conduct Appellate Process | Student Conduct and Community Standards | Vice President for Student Affairs | Student Conduct Code |
University Housing Community Standards Appeals | University Housing | Vice President for Student Affairs | Community Standards Appeals |
Alleged Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act | Office of Accessibility | Vice President for Student Affairs | Reporting Dicrimination and Grievances |
Alleged Title IX violations against faculty, staff, or department | Title IX | Vice President for Finance and Administration | FSU's KnowMore site |
Alleged Discrimination against faculty, staff, or department Tuition and Fee Appeals Satisfactory Academic Progress |
Office of Human Resources Registrar Financial Aid |
Vice President for Finance and Administration Registrar Financial Aid |
Human Resources: Make A Complaint In General: Appeals Drop/Add Tuition Refund Appeal Appeal to Reinstate Schedule Cancelled for Nonpayment of Tuition Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) |