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
• Graduate
  
  • Dr. Adrienne Stephenson
    Assistant Dean & Director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards (OGFA)
    FSU Graduate School
    Graduate Suite (4001E) in HSF
    Tallahassee, FL 32306
    (850) 645-0850
    graduateombuds@fsu.edu
     
  • 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.