Policy Statement
Students and faculty must make a reasonable effort to resolve questions relating to the content or conduct of a course using the following informal procedures:

1. When students have questions, complaints, or criticisms concerning the content or conduct of a course, they should first contact the instructor or teaching assistant. The instructor’s grasp of the course and of students’ performance makes him/her the most logical person to approach; the instructor is also the one most able to effect a change to alleviate the problem. Most questions and complaints are settled this way. At the very least, though, students are entitled to a meeting with the instructor in charge of the course, and where evaluation of a test or paper is the issue, to a second review of their work.
2. If a discussion with instructor is not possible or fails to resolve the student’s concern, the departmental chairperson or designated grievance officer is in the best position to mediate such a problem, having a good understanding of both the field of study and the instructor’s experience and teaching approach.
3. When the above procedure fails to produce a mutually satisfactory understanding, students may consult the Conflict Resolution Center, 624-SCRC (7272), 211 Eddy Hall, www1.umn.edu/sos/, to discuss other options for pursuing the matter.

Formal grievance procedures
According to University policy, each department is to have formal procedures for resolving issues concerning course content or conduct. In addition, each department must choose from among its members a committee of faculty and students to hear cases involving academic freedom and responsibility. Students who have exhausted the informal procedures outlined above and are still unsatisfied may submit a written complaint to this committee and be assured of a hearing.

If no resolution can be reached, the college grievance committee may be called upon to assist. Grievance committees have authority to recommend that the chair (or the dean) direct reevaluation, further examination by other instructors, or other steps to insure fairness if they believe the original evaluation was deficient. Question should be directed to the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs (624-4801).