Grievance Policies
In an academic review process, the academic atmosphere should be retained. The purpose of the academic review process is to determine whether a student’s academic efforts were fairly, reasonably, and equitably evaluated by the faculty.
A student must initiate the grievance procedure the semester immediately following the semester the dispute occurs. The grievance process will be utilized only after the student has conferred with the instructor and department chairperson in an effort to resolve the issue.
"A student must initiate the grievance procedure the semester immediately following the semester the dispute occurs."
WHAT IS A GRIEVANCE?
A grievance is an action where an individual alleges that his or her rights have been violated without rational basis or done in bad faith.
WHAT IS CAPRICIOUS GRADING?
Not resulting from a reasonable and announced grading policy and procedure.
WHAT IS ARBITRARY GRADING?
Without a sound academic basis or else based primarily upon personal preference or whim.
WHAT IS DISCRIMINATORY GRADING?
Differential treatment based upon race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national origin.
Traditional BSN Program Academic Grievance Process
A student may petition a departmental decision concerning a given grade to the School of Nursing Grievance Committee when a final course grade is alleged to have been given by a faculty member in a capricious, arbitrary, or discriminatory manner. The classification of the alleged academic dispute must be identified and explained by the student. For more information on the Academic Grievance Process for the Traditional BSN program, please use the links below.
RN-BSN Program Academic Grievance Process
A student may petition a departmental decision concerning a given grade to the School of Nursing Grievance Committee when a final course grade is alleged to have been given by a faculty member in a capricious, arbitrary, or discriminatory manner. The classification of the alleged academic dispute must be identified and explained by the student. For more information on the Academic Grievance Process for the RN-BSN program, please use the links below.
Non-Academic Grievance or Complaint (Traditional BSN and RN-BSN)
Student grievances related to non-academic issues are classified as an informal or formal.
INFORMAL Non-Academic Grievance or Complaint
An informal non-academic grievance or complaint is non-written claim by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary treatment by an administrator, faculty member, and/or staff member or an attempt to seek guidance on how to find the appropriate office or person to assist in informally resolving a complaint with an administrator, faculty member, and/or staff.
Although a student may contact the University Ombudsman at any time, it is recommended that the student first attempt to address their complaint by discussing it with the person most directly involved with their complaint.
FORMAL Non-Academic Grievance or Complaint
A formal non-academic grievance or complaint is a written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary action by an administrator, faculty member, and/or staff member involving the application of a Florida A&M University (or Florida Board of Governors) regulations, policy or procedure.
Graduate Program Academic Grievance Process
Grievances at the graduate level are governed by the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR).