Student feedback is vital for the improvement of Florida State University. FSU offers various processes for student complaints and appeals. Students have the option to resolve conflicts informally, such as through direct contact with those involved. However, students also have the right to initiate a formal complaint process, which typically recommends trying to resolve the issue at the source of the conflict first. Ultimately, students have the autonomy to choose whether to attempt to resolve a conflict formally or informally.
Student Ombuds Office
At Florida State University, student success is a top priority. The Student Ombuds Office will support students at any point during their FSU experience. The staff serves as an impartial, informal, independent, and confidential resource for any undergraduate or graduate student with University-related concerns. The Student Ombuds Office is dedicated to helping students find a path forward.
The Student Ombuds can offer advice, discuss options, answer questions, and explain FSU policies. Please note that the Student Ombuds Office does not handle formal complaints and cannot accept legal notices for FSU. Additionally, communication with the Student Ombuds Office does not constitute official notice to the University.
For assistance, please reach out to the Student Ombuds Office.

Grant Escue, J.D.
Student Ombuds Office
Westcott Building, Suite 407
studentombuds@fsu.edu
Appointments are encouraged.
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 |
|
Academic Honor Policy Appeals | Office of Faculty Development and Advancement | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement |
|
General Academic Appeals | Office of Faculty Development and Advancement | Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement |
|
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 15)
|
Student Conduct Appellate Process | Student Conduct and Community Standards |
Vice President for Student Affairs
|
|
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 Discrimination and Grievances
|
Alleged Title IX violations against faculty, staff, or department | Title IX | Vice President for Finance and Administration |
|
Alleged Discrimination against faculty, staff, or department |
Office of Human Resources |
Vice President for Finance and Administration |
Human Resources: Make A Complaint
|
Tuition and Fee Appeals | Registrar |
Registrar
|
In General: Appeals Drop/Add Tuition Refund Appeal Appeal to Reinstate Schedule Cancelled for Nonpayment of Tuition |
Satisfactory Academic Progress | Financial Aid | Financial Aid |
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)
|