Student Complaints and Appeals

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
850-644-4475
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 an analysis of the written student complaints to the Student Ombuds Office, consistent with university policy.

Type of Student Complaint	Office Responsible	Published location of the Complaint Process
Grade Appeals	Office of Faculty Development and Advancement	Grade Appeals System
Academic Honor Policy Appeals	Office of Faculty Development and Advancement	Academic Resources See your decision letter for appeal options or review the policy by clicking the link above.
General Academic Appeals	Office of Faculty Development and Advancement	General Academic Appeals
Residency Appeals	Office of Admissions	Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes Policy Initial Classification Reclassification Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Grandparent Tuition Waiver Policy
Medical/Mental Health Course Drops & Withdrawals Appeals	Academic Dean’s Office	Medical/Mental Health Withdrawal
Alleged FERPA Violations	Registrar’s Office	Report a FERPA Violation
Student Conduct Appellate Process	Student Conduct and Community Standards	Appellate Process See your decision letter for appeal options or review the policy by clicking the link above.
University Housing Community Standards Appeals	University Housing	Community Standards Appeals See your decision letter for appeal options or review the policy by clicking the link above.
Alleged Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act	Office of Accessibility	Reporting Discrimination and Grievances
Alleged Title IX violations against faculty, staff, or department	Title IX	Make a Report at report.fsu.edu
Alleged Discrimination against faculty, staff, or department	Office of Human Resources	Human Resources: Make A Complaint
Tuition and Fee Appeals	Registrar	In General: Appeals Drop/Add Tuition Refund Appeal Appeal to Reinstate Schedule Cancelled for Nonpayment of Tuition
Satisfactory Academic Progress	Financial Aid	Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

Students may also share important information regarding incidents or concerning behavior happening in the Florida State University community by reporting an incident on report.fsu.edu.