Non-Academic Complaints
1. Judgments on the suitability of non-academic decisions are most appropriately made by individuals with expertise in the particular area. Normally, such complaints can be resolved quickly through discussion with the Administrator in charge of the department making the decision. (See the University Organizational Chart at http://www.gsu.edu/administrative_organization.html.) Students can contact the Office of the Ombudsperson for assistance in preparing for discussion with non-academic administrators. The Office of the Ombudsperson can also provide assistance to students and non-academic administrators with resolving disputes informally through voluntary, facilitated discussions, in an effort to bring resolution to the matter prior to the initiation of a formal complaint.
2. In situations where such informal resolution does not occur or is not successful, the student may submit a formal complaint to the Vice President or Associate Provost who oversees the area. The student’s complaint must be submitted in writing, and be accompanied by pertinent documentation describing (a) the specific action, practice, or decision that is problematic; (b) the impact of that decision; (c) what resolution is being sought; and (d) why it should be granted. To promote prompt resolution, complaints must include current contact information and be submitted as early as possible, but no later than the end of the term immediately following the term in which the matter arose. The Vice President or Associate Provost will provide a decision to the student in writing, normally within 10 business days of the receipt of the complaint.
3. The student may appeal the Vice President’s or Associate Provost’s decision to the Provost in writing within 10 business days of being notified of the decision. The Provost will respond in writing to the appeal within 20 business days of receiving the appeal.
4. The student may appeal the Provost’s decision to the President in writing within 10 business days of being notified of the Provost’s decision. The President will respond in writing to the appeal within 20 business days of receiving the appeal.
5. The student may appeal the President’s decision to the Board of Regents in writing within 20 business days of being notified of the President’s decision. Decisions regarding traffic citations may not be appealed to the Board of Regents (BOR Policy 407.01).