Student Complaint Processes
Issues Students May Encounter
UWF is committed to providing all students the opportunity to share concerns and complaints with the University community in order to assist in reaching resolutions that are fair and equitable. There are two main types of student issues at UWF:
Who to Contact
The UWF Student Ombuds is available to assist students with any concern or complaint at the University.
Students may also report any academic concern or complaint by email via studentgrievance@uwf.edu and any non-academic concern or complaint by email via deanofstudents@uwf.edu.
Student concerns are informal and generally minor and can usually be addressed through informal communication processes like emails, conversations and meetings. The University recommends that students communicate these types of concerns directly to the person or office involved in the matter. Most concerns can be resolved this way. If students do not feel comfortable meeting directly with the person who caused the concern, the student can request a meeting with the person’s supervisor (like a department chairperson or program director) in order to discuss the concern. Every office on campus is dedicated to addressing student concerns that come to their attention as quickly as possible.
Some student issues may be more serious and need to be resolved through more formal processes, which include filing written notification. There are numerous policies and processes related to formal student complaints across the University. Some of these complaint processes have a specific form that students must complete, while others allow the student to communicate directly in writing to the person involved in order to begin the formal process. The University keeps records of all student complaints and grievances.
Overview of Steps for Resolution of Student Complaints by Type
Grade Related
- Contact the instructor first to discuss and address the concern. This contact must be initiated within 30 calendar days of the final grade being available for the student to view online.
- If not resolved, a student may file a formal grade appeal with the department chair or school director in accordance with the UWF Student Grade Appeal Policy AC-16.02-01/14.
- For instructor or class-related concerns, contact the instructor first and then the department chair or program director if the matter remains unresolved. For academic program-related concerns, contact the department chair or program director first and then the college dean if the matter remains unresolved.
- If not resolved, a student may file a formal grievance by following the UWF Student Grievance Process SA-27.02-02/17.
Other Matters Related to an Instructor or Academic Program
- For instructor or class-related concerns, contact the instructor first and then the department chair or program director if the matter remains unresolved. For academic program-related concerns, contact the department chair or program director first and then the college dean if the matter remains unresolved.
- If not resolved, a student may file a formal grievance by following the UWF Student Grievance Process SA-27.02-02/17.
Regarding Services
- Contact the staff member in the relevant University office.
- If not resolved, contact the staff member’s supervisor and then the administrator in charge of the office.
- Attempt to resolve the issue with the person or office in which the concern arose.
- If not resolved, contact the Dean of Students Office at 850.474.2384 or by email via deanofstudents@uwf.edu.
Regarding Any Other Matters
- Attempt to resolve the issue with the person or office in which the concern arose.
- If not resolved, contact the Dean of Students Office at 850.474.2384 or by email via deanofstudents@uwf.edu.
The UWF Title IX Programs handles all complaints regarding sexual misconduct and gender equity. You can reach them at 850.474.2175, submit a Title IX incident report.
Submit a Complaint or Grievance Report
UWF is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to share concerns and complaints with the University community to assist in reaching resolutions that are fair and equitable. If you have any questions about reporting, please call 850.474.2384.
