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Written Student Complaints

Overview

NC State is committed to excellence in teaching, promoting high levels of student achievement, providing outstanding academic support services, and complying with the law and our own policies and procedures.

The University has designated employees and resources to help maintain our professional standards across campus and to provide appropriate responses to our students’ complaints and concerns. By selecting a category below, you can access specific reporting tools, which will bring your complaint or concern to the appropriate individual(s) or office(s) for resolution. 

Before you submit

These reporting resources are not intended to replace regular channels of professional communication, and students must first approach appropriate NC State administrators, faculty and staff regarding their concern before submitting a formal written complaint. Our personnel will work to resolve the issues quickly and efficiently and without the need for a formal process. Except for cases involving discrimination, harassment or retaliation, students are required to attempt resolution of the issue informally before they may submit a Written Student Complaint. For complaints about final course grades, students must first seek resolution with the instructor who issued the grade for the course at issue. For complaints graduate students have about advisors or advising committees, graduate students must first consult with the chair of the advisory committee. For all other complaints, students should first seek resolution of the dispute with the person about whom the student is complaining or their supervisor.

Informal resolution is not required for cases involving discrimination, harassment or retaliation. NC State encourages all members of the University community to report incidents of discrimination or harassment to the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). More information about reporting harassment and discrimination can be found on the Safe at NC State website.

If you are not able to resolve your concern through informal channels, we will address Written Student Complaints in a fair, professional and timely manner and in accordance with established procedures.

Relevant NC State Policies, Regulations, and Rules

Written Student Complaint Categories

If you would like to submit a Written Student Complaint, please choose the category below which best describes your complaint and follow the referenced procedures.

Advisors or Advisory Committees

If you are a graduate student who is unable to resolve a complaint regarding an advisor or your advisory committee through the informal resolution process, use the Written Student Complaint Form to submit a formal complaint. 

Final Course Grades

If you are unable to resolve a complaint informally with the instructor who issued the grade, use the Written Student Complaint Form to appeal a final course grade.

FERPA Complaints

Students who believe their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or NC State’s related REG 11.00.01, may use the Written Student Complaint Form to submit a complaint.

SARA Complaints

Use the Written Student Complaint Form to submit a complaint about any consumer protection issues arising under the State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The procedures for resolving SARA complaints are described on NC State’s Online and Distance Education website.

Other Complaint Categories

If your complaint does not fall into the categories for the Written Student Complaint process, there are likely other processes out there that may be relevant.

Complaints Regarding Discrimination or Harassment

Use the Complaint Form for Discrimination, Harassment, Title IX and Retaliation to report concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual violence, interpersonal violence including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and concerns related to pregnancy discrimination.

Appeals of Student Conduct Findings and Sanctions

The procedure for appealing findings or sanctions stemming from a student conduct matter can be found in REG 11.35.02 Student Disciplinary Procedures.

Appeals of Reduction, Revocation, or Non-Renewal of Athletically-Related Financial Aid

The procedure for appealing a decision to reduce, revoke or not renew any athletically-related financial aid can be found in REG 09.00.01 Reduction, Revocation, or Non-Renewal of Athletically-Related Financial Aid.