Process for Complaints

Most causes for complaints stem from a grade or assignment dispute. When this happens, you are encouraged to talk to your instructor to try to resolve the issue. Approach the situation in a calm and respectful manner. Some students find it helpful to prepare a list of points and/or write down questions ahead of time so they are sure they are express themselves in a thorough manner.

Sometimes a complaint between a student and an instructor (grade related or otherwise) cannot be resolved by the two parties involved or the student is not able to broach the subject directly with the instructor. In either case, please contact Dr. Julianne Newton, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs. Dr. Newton will access the situation and determine a course for resolution. Depending on the situation, she may need to consult with colleagues in other campus offices (e.g. Office of the Dean of Student Life, University Housing, Counseling Center, etc.) to help her guide you to resolution.

In the rare case that the Associate Dean cannot facilitate a resolution, you may be refered to the Dean. If a complaint cannot be resolved within the School of Journalism and Communication, you will be referred to any available university processes beyond the school.

If you’re having academic problems that are not specific to a single course, you should consult a professional adviser, your faculty adviser or the associate dean. Unfortunately (but realistically), some students—especially those who are away from home for the first time—encounter problems that aren’t of an academic nature. These can range from loneliness to sexual harassment. Help for nearly any kind of problem is available for all University of Oregon students. We encourage you to seek help in solving any problems that arise during your UO career. Advisers sometimes encourage students to consult the university’s Counseling Center, which provides trained counselors to help students with personal and relationship problems. Located on the second floor of the University Health, Counseling and Testing Center building, their phone number is (541) 346-3227.

Additional resources of which you should be aware are:
1. Office of the Dean of Student Life
164 Oregon Hall
(541) 346-3216

2. Office of Student Advocacy (OSA)
OSA provides free advice and assistance to incidental fee paying students who are having problems with the University of Oregon (including those charged with student conduct code violations). The office also provides generalized advocacy on behalf of students' rights within the university's administrative framework.
(541) 346-3722
osa@officeofstudentadvocacy.org

3. Conflict Resolution Services
164 Oregon Hall
(541) 346-0617

4. "Know Your Rights" [Associated Students of the University of Oregon]

5. Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity
"Discrimination Grievance Procedures"