Oregon State University strives to resolve all student complaints in a fair and expedient manner. The Student Academic and Financial Aid Appeals policy provides basic appeals procedures for some academic and financial aid matters. In addition, more information is provided below.
Complaints regarding academic issues
All students should appeal academic grievances first to the instructor of the course and then to the chair or head of the academic unit in which the course is offered. If the situation is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction:
- An undergraduate student should consult with the head advisor of the college in which the course is offered to obtain further information about appeal procedures of the college or university
- A graduate student should consult the dean of Graduate Education regarding academic appeal procedures above the departmental level.
Some students encounter special problems whose proper solution may require deviations from the academic regulations or procedures. Requests for such deviations in the regulations below must be presented to the Office of the Registrar on petition forms. Petitions received by the registrar will be forwarded to the proper committee or office for review and appropriate action. Requests for deviations from Graduate Education policies should be presented by letter to the graduate dean. All grievance processes include an appeal option which have a final resolution at the institution through either the Provost or their designee.
Complaints regarding non-academic issues
Appeal procedures for other than academic grievances, e.g., grievances regarding student employment, financial aid, housing, discipline, human rights, etc. are outlined in the Student Life Policy and Regulations, which are available on the OSU website under "Student Conduct" or from the Dean of Student Life. Some of these regulations pertain to both undergraduate and graduate students. The Graduate Education section of the catalog outlines both academic appeal procedures and those relating to the employment of graduate students.
Distance education students residing outside of Oregon
Distance education students should appeal academic grievances first to the instructor of the course and then to the chair or head of the academic unit in which the course is offered. More information is available on the complaint resolution for distance students page.
Complaints regarding accreditation and other quality of education concerns
If a student feels their concerns have not been adequately addressed through the established OSU processes, they may contact the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which has the authority to investigate student complaints having to do with the University not following published policy or state law. More information is available on HECC’s student complaint page or by calling 503.400.4759.
OSU’s accreditor, the Northwest Commission on College and Universities, has the authority to investigate student complaints that relate to NWCCU’s Eligibility Requirements, Standards for Accreditation, Policies, or Procedures. More information is available on NWCCU’s complaints page or by calling 425.558.4224.