The student must initiate an informal meeting with the instructor as soon as possible after the academic decision has been made.

For grade grievances, students should contact their instructor after grades have been posted to discuss their concerns and attempt to reach an agreement.

Next step: If the student and instructor cannot reach an agreement, the student may proceed with a formal grievance.

A formal grievance may be filed only if the student and instructor cannot reach an agreement through the informal process.

The grievance must follow the requirements outlined below and be submitted to both the instructor and the relevant department head or director.

Deadline: The formal grievance must be filed no more than 15 days into the following semester.

Grade status: The student will be assigned a grade of Incomplete (I) until the formal grievance has been resolved.

Required Information

According to the MSU Student Code of Conduct, the formal grievance must include:

  1. The facts or circumstances surrounding the grievance.

  2. The date(s) of occurrence.

  3. An explanation of why the student believes the decision was unfair.

  4. The student's attempts to resolve the grievance informally.

  5. The precise relief sought by the student.

Students should provide clear, specific information and supporting documentation where applicable.

After receiving the formal grievance, the instructor has 5 business days to respond to the student and the department head or director.

The response is part of the formal review process and helps establish the information needed for the next stage.

The department head or director will review the evidence, conduct interviews if possible, and provide a written decision with recommendations for resolving the grievance.

Timeline: The written decision and recommendations are due within 5 business days of the instructor's response.

If the grievance is not concluded within this timeframe, the student may bring the grievance to the relevant College Dean for resolution.

For undergraduate students, either the instructor or the student may appeal the department head's or director's decision in writing to the instructor's College Dean.

Appeal Requirements

  • Deadline: The written appeal must be submitted within 5 business days of receiving the department head's or director's decision.

  • Copies: Copies of the appeal must also be sent to all parties involved in the grievance.

  • Dean's decision: The Dean will provide a written decision to the student, instructor, and department head or director within 5 business days of receiving the appeal.

Final decision: For undergraduate students, the Dean's decision is the final decision of the University.

Additional Information: Criteria for a Grade Grievance

The merit of a grade grievance is evaluated based on whether the grade was assigned:

  1. On a basis other than the student's performance in the course and/or compliance with course assignments and requirements.

  2. By more exacting or demanding standards than those applied to other students in the same section.

  3. Through a substantial departure from the instructor's, department's, college's, or university's announced standards, as outlined in the course syllabus, catalog descriptions, or other written materials.

Students should explain how their concerns relate to one or more of these criteria when preparing a formal grade grievance.