Before you do anything else, take a few minutes to write down what happened. Include dates, names of offices or people involved, emails or documents that may help explain the situation, what you have already tried, and what outcome you are hoping for. Thinking through these details will help you categorize the concern.
To continue, click on the section that best describes your situation.
I’m concerned about something in my day-to-day student experience.
Type of Concern
This may be a student complaint.
A complaint is typically an informal expression of dissatisfaction about some aspect of a student’s experience. Examples include concerns about campus facilities or online infrastructure, long wait times for services, difficulty getting information, and basic disagreements.
Action to Take
Complaints are often best handled through direct, informal conversation with the relevant department, office, or person closest to the issue. They are usually in the best position to understand what happened and help identify a practical next step.
To get started, schedule a call or request a meeting with the person closest to the issue or with the leader of that department or office. When you are ready, share your understanding of what happened, why it concerns you, what you have already tried, and what outcome you are hoping for. Then listen, ask questions, and work together to identify a possible resolution.
If you are not sure which office or person you should contact, or if you require other assistance, the Dean of Students Office can help. Contact the Dean of Students Office at (704) 687-0345 or deanofstudents@charlotte.edu for answers to questions, general guidance, or to set up an appointment with a team member to discuss your specific circumstance.
I believe a University policy or procedure was violated.
Type of Concern
This may be a formal grievance.
A grievance is more than general dissatisfaction. A grievance is a formal allegation that a University office or representative violated a specific University policy, standard, or procedure in a way that negatively affected you.
Action to Take
Grievances take several forms; and each type is handled differently; so it is important to use the process that applies to your situation. Use the table below to determine how to proceed.
| If your concern has to do with… | then follow the procedures contained or referenced in… |
|---|---|
| Final course grade appeals | University Policy 410, Policy and Procedures for Student Appeals of Final Course Grades |
| Discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or Title IX | University Policy 501, Nondiscrimination OR University Policy 502, Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence OR University Policy 504, Title IX Grievance Policy |
| Disability accommodations or accessibility | Office of Disability Services Student Grievance Procedure |
| Research misconduct | University Policy 309, Responding to Allegations of Misconduct in Research and Scholarship |
| Academic appeals or academic grievances | UNC Charlotte Academic Policy and Procedure: Academic Appeal and Grievance |
| Education records or FERPA | University Policy 402, Student Education Records (FERPA) |
| Another matter not covered by a specific University policy, appeal, or complaint process | University Policy 411, Student Grievance Procedure |
If you are not sure which process applies or need assistance navigating one, the Dean of Students Office can help. Contact the Dean of Students Office at (704) 687-0345 or deanofstudents@charlotte.edu for answers to questions, general guidance, or to set up an appointment with a team member to discuss your specific circumstance.
I’m not sure what category fits my circumstance.
That is okay. You do not need to have everything figured out before asking for help.
The Dean of Students Office can help you understand possible next steps and point you toward the appropriate University resource. Contact the Dean of Students Office at (704) 687-0345 or deanofstudents@charlotte.edu for answers to questions, general guidance, or to set up an appointment with a team member to discuss your specific circumstance.
Keep in mind that the Dean of Students Office is a non-confidential resource to assist students with navigating the grievance process. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, a confidential resource for navigating the grievance process can be found in University Ombuds.