Student Complaint Process

UW-Superior is committed to respecting all members of our university community and providing a quality educational experience for all students. The objective of the Student Complaint Process is to ensure all concerns and complaints of undergraduate and graduate students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly. The majority of students at UW-Superior will complete their education without feeling that an injustice, inequitable situation, or unnecessary hardship occurred. However, if you believe you have a reason to file a complaint, we are here to listen.

UW-Superior and the Universities of Wisconsin have established procedures to respond to student complaints in a fair and equitable manner. In general, you should follow the following process to resolve a complaint.

The Dean of Students Office is available to advise and support students through the Student Complaint Process. We look forward to assisting you.

How a Student can Address a Complaint about a Course Matter

  1. Address the complaint(s) with the course instructor.
  2. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, or if you would be uncomfortable discussing your complaint with the instructor, please contact the chair of the appropriate academic department, who will explain the course grievance process for that department.
  3. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved through the academic department chair and departmental processes, you may then bring the matter in writing or email to the Office of the Provost, or use the Student Complaint Form to submit a complaint electronically to the Office of the Provost. The Provost will consult with the Dean of Academic Affairs for next steps.

How a Student can Appeal a Final Grade

  1. Present the rationale for changing the grade to the instructor per the student appeal process. This consultation must occur no later than the fourth week of the following semester (example: a spring semester grade appeal must be submitted by the fourth week of the following fall semester).
  2. If the results are not satisfactory and you wish to continue the appeal process, please make an appointment with the academic department chair, who will explain the grade appeal process for that department.
  3. If the results are not satisfactory and you would like to continue the appeal process, you have the right to bring the matter in writing or email to the Office of the Provost, or use the Student Complaint Form to submit a complaint electronically to the Office of the Provost. The Provost will consult with the Dean of Academic Affairs for next steps.

How a Student can Address a Complaint about Acts of Discrimination

  1. If you believe you have been victim of discrimination, do not approach the individual(s) and proceed to step two.
  2. If you believe you have been victim of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, age, or disability, you may bring the matter in writing or email to the Dean of Students Office, or use the Student Complaint Form to submit a complaint electronically to the Dean of Students Office.
  3. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved through the Dean of Students Office, you may submit the complaint in writing or email to the Affirmative Action Office.

How a Student can Address a Complaint about Sex Discrimination or Sexual Misconduct (Title IX)

  1. If you believe you have been victim of sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, do not approach the individual(s) and proceed to step two.
  2. If you believe you have been victim of sex discrimination or sexual misconduct (including but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking), bring the matter in writing or email to the Dean of Students Office or go to the Title IX Coordinator.
  3. Another non-emergency option for reporting such as issue is to use the Incident Reporting Form.

How a Student can Address a Complaint about a UW-Superior Employee Other than Discrimination

  1. Address the complaint(s) by discussing it/them with the UW-Superior employee.
  2. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, or if you are uncomfortable discussing your complaint with the employee, you may then bring the matter in writing to the UW-Superior employee’s unit supervisor or academic department chair. If you need assistance with navigating this, contact the Dean of Students Office.
  3. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved through the academic department chair or unit supervisor, you may then bring the matter in writing or email to the Office of the Provost or use the Student Complaint Form to submit a complaint electronically to the Office of the Provost. The Provost will consult with the Dean of Academic Affairs for next steps.

How to Address a Complaint that Involves the Behavior(s) of Another Student

  1. For a student behavior that is criminal in nature or is an immediate threat, please call 911 or contact the University Police Department.
  2. For a student behavior that is not an emergency, please refer the issue to the Dean of Students Office, or use the Incident Reporting Form to submit a complaint electronically to the Dean of Students Office.
  3. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved through the Dean of Students Office, per UW Chapter 17, you may then bring the matter in writing via email to the Office of the Chancellor.

How to Address a Complaint Related to Licensure, Quality, or Accreditation

If you have a complaint related to a consumer protection law that includes but is not limited to fraud and false advertising, or you believe there is a violation of a state law or rule relating to the licensure of UW-Superior, and/or have a complaint related to the quality of education or accreditation requirement, use the below process.

  1. If you believe your complaint falls within the above parameters, please contact the Office of the Provost.
  2. If a resolution is not reached at the institution level, or if you believe that the nature of the complaint or its impact on the system as a whole warrant an immediate review by the Universities of Wisconsin Administration, you can file information electronically.
  3. If a resolution is not reached at an institution level, contact the Higher Learning Commission.