Grievances/Complaints Policies and Procedures
The Middle Georgia State University Student Code of Conduct reads, "Laws, statutes, and regulations at the national, state, and local levels grant public institutions the authority to establish standards reasonably relevant to the lawful missions, processes, and functions of the institution. Such standards are not intended to prohibit the exercise of a right guaranteed by the Constitution or a law of the United States to a member of the academic community." Middle Georgia State University Student Code of Conduct, Introduction.
Middle Georgia State University committed to a policy of fair treatment of its students. A grievance or complaint is a situation in which a student feels that the treatment he/she has received is not consistent with the University's policies.
Students are encouraged to initially seek an informal resolution of these matters directly with the faculty or individual(s) involved when possible.
Middle Georgia State University's Conflict Resolution process is designed to assist students in the resolution of disputes. Students involved in unresolved disputes are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Affairs. A representative from Student Affairs will review the student's situation to determine if mediation is the proper course of action. If so, the student will be referred to a mediator who will meet with those involved in the dispute with the goal of facilitating a resolution. If mediation is not appropriate, the student will be provided additional information and resources to address and resolve the situation.
When an informal resolution is not possible, students should file a written complaint by completing and submitting a student grievance report form. The form preferably should be submitted electronically but may be saved in pdf format and e-mailed as an attachment to
Note: The basis on which a grade was awarded may not be challenged or appealed under this grievance process but through the grade appeal process found in the university catalog and the Final Grade Appeal form.
A written complaint should include all of the following:
- Nature of the complaint
- Date and time of the incident
- Full names of all individuals involved
- The policy or procedure that was violated
When received, the grievance report will be forwarded to the university official associated with the issue. Each official, upon receipt of the grievance, shall investigate the circumstances and attempt to resolve the issue. If unable to do so, the official will refer the matter to the next level of responsibility as indicated below:
- Instructor or staff member
- Department chair or director
- Dean or assistant vice president
- Associate provost or vice president
If the grievance involves a question of judgment or opinion not covered by University policies, the vice president for student affairs and another appropriate University official shall, after interviewing the student and all other parties involved, discuss the matter and make recommendations to the provost to resolve the issue. There shall be no retaliatory action taken by any person against a student of the University as a result of the student seeking redress under any of these procedures or for participating in any investigation as a complainant or witness.
Formal Grievance Hearing
The purpose of a formal grievance hearing is to hear the complaint of a student who has exhausted all other normal channels, but who has not received satisfaction. The student may appeal in writing to the president. The president will appoint a Grievance Committee of at least three persons, including a chair. The committee will meet within five working days after receiving the complaint to discuss the merits of the complaint and shall notify the parties concerned within ten working days of either its decision or of the time and place of a hearing if one is to be granted.
Formal grievance hearings shall be conducted during normal working hours and a tape recording shall be made of the proceedings. The Grievance Committee decision shall be made and reported in writing to the president and the student within ten business days. The student may appeal the decision of the Grievance Committee to the president. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall be made within ten business days. The decision of the president shall be communicated to the student in writing within ten business days of receipt of the appeal. The president's decision shall be final.
Appeals / Complaints to Outside Agencies
After completing the complaint process above, if a student feels that their situation has not been resolved at the institution level, the student may appeal outside of the institution. Students may file an Application for Discretionary Review with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia here. Students can also appeal to the GA-SARA office following their guidelines found on their Student Complaint webpage here.
To file a complaint with Middle Georgia State University's regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): Complete the Commission's Complaint Form. Instructions for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education in regards to Title IV (financial aid, civil rights violations or discrimination) can be found here.