Student Complaints and Appeals

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
  • Graduate
    • Mr. James Beck
      Senior Graduate Policy Program Coordinator
      FSU Graduate School
      314 Westcott Building
      Tallahassee, FL 32306
      (850) 644-8843
      graduateombuds@fsu.edu

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)