The student should check with his or her department graduate coordinator. A grievance is defined as dissatisfaction occurring when a student thinks that any condition affecting him or her is unjust or inequitable or creates unnecessary hardship. Areas in which student grievances may arise include scientific misconduct, sexual harassment, discrimination, employment-related concerns, and academic matters. The University has various mechanisms available for handling these problems when they arise, and it can sometimes be confusing for the student in knowing where to turn. In general it is desirable to settle grievances in an informal fashion rather than initiating a formal grievance.
Communication is the key element.
As soon as a grievance issue arises, the student should speak with either the supervisory committee chair or the department graduate coordinator. If neither of these individuals is available, the department chair is the next alternative. In most cases these individuals can work with the student and the person causing the grievance to resolve the issue informally, as specified below. It is the student's responsibility to arrange a meeting between the persons concerned in order to discuss and resolve the matter as soon as possible after the student becomes aware of the act or condition that is the basis for the grievance. The student may wish to seek the advice and assistance of the supervisory committee chair or the department graduate coordinator in arranging this meeting.