Academic Grievance Policy
Lyman Briggs College takes student academic complaints and grievances seriously and has several processes in place to ensure that complaints are addressed appropriately and in a timely manner. This policy is meant for academic grievances only. Grievances based on sexual harassment, gender, race, disability, age, or other protected categories are best directed to the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance or the Office of the University Ombudsperson.
A first step for resolving most academic conflicts is at the local level, between the parties involved (for instance, the student and the faculty member). State – verbally and in writing – specifically what the concern is and what action is being requested to address the concern. Students and faculty may contact the Office of the University Ombudsperson for confidential assistance, advice, and support at any step of the academic grievance process. The Office of the University Ombudsperson supports and works closely with students to help them identify resources and options to resolve their problems. Student Rights Advocates from ASMSU are available to assist students in formal grievance or disciplinary proceedings. Through consultation and its web site, the Office of the University Ombudsperson also provides guidance to help students approach conflicts related to grading and instructional complaints, group project assignments and more. Contact ombud@msu.edu or call (517) 353-8830. Additionally, before beginning this process, the Office of the University Ombudsperson encourages students to review relevant university policies or procedures (the Code of Teaching Responsibility, Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Integrity of Scholarship and Grades, and MSU’s Complaint and Grievance System), or to consult with the Office of the University Ombudsperson to discuss the situation.
Grade Complaints/Appeals Process in Lyman Briggs
Students may at any time consult with the University Ombudsperson. If a student wishes to contest a course grade through Lyman Briggs instead of through the university Office of the Ombudsperson, they should follow these steps:
The student should review the syllabus of the course. If this does not resolve things, the student should contact the instructor in writing by email, explaining the grievance, and schedule a meeting time to discuss the matter. It is also recommended that the student meets with the student success office to discuss the issue.
If the student still remains dissatisfied, the next step is to contact the Assistant Dean of Student Success and Advising at Lyman Briggs College to discuss the issue. You must be able to demonstrate in your appeal that your instructor used what the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) calls “inappropriate or irrelevant factors” in determining your grade—instead of a “good faith” judgment of your performance. Grievance also may proceed from alleged violations of the grading policy, as stated in the course syllabus. The Assistant Dean of Student Success and Advising will first meet with the student to review their concerns and discuss how they would like to move forward. The student may request that they are joined in this meeting by a student or faculty advocate. If there is a meeting with the instructor, the instructor may request that they are joined in their meeting by the Faculty Excellence Advocate. After meeting with the Assistant Dean, you should get a response within 14 business days.
If the student still remains unsatisfied after hearing from the Assistant Dean of Student Success and Advising, there is the right to further contest the grade by requesting an MSU hearing. Following policies outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR), academic grievances will be heard and settled by the MSU Dean of Students office. To request a grievance hearing, you must submit a written statement to the Office of Student Success and Accountability. Generally, your deadline to contest a grade is the middle of the following semester you are enrolled. Before filing a written request for a grievance hearing, consult with the University Ombudsperson for detailed directions.
For further information, consult the following university document: Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) Articles 2, 6, and 7 as well as the Integrity of Scholarship and Grades policy.