If they have a problem and don't know where to turn, then there are places where they can go to at least initially ask for information. Despite the existence of such services, some students still find the grievance process very frustrating. UCD graduate student Onnaca Heron has joined a group of her fellow classmates to complain about one of the professors they had last quarter, but they are not satisfied with the limited options available to them. After approaching the professor and the department chair, the group spoke with Associate Dean of Letters and Science Fred Wood. I don't think student's rights are really protected because you couldn't find out what was going to happen until after the grades came out, but their stance is you should have complained before grades came out.
Timing is an important factor in the grievance process.
Students who do not respond to a complaint promptly may find that their options have decreased considerably. You don't really know what to do and then they tell you that you should have complained earlier. Some complaints can only be answered at designated deadlines after the quarter's end, and once grades are submitted by a professor, it is very difficult to change them. Students having problems with professors must act fast to seek help and rectify the problem. Like Heron, UCD student Erica Brent has had problems with the response to her grievance.