Student complaints
At Wayne State University, student success is our top priority. The Dean of Students Office has a formal process through which students can report any concerns or problems that may arise. The processes outlined below fulfills the University’s federal obligation to track student complaints and monitor the quality of our operations and services.
Prior to beginning the formal complaint process, students should attempt to resolve the issue informally with the faculty/staff member or department involved.
Several areas within the university have defined processes to respond to student concerns or complaints directly related to their area, including, but not limited to:
- Grade Appeals
- Student Code of Conduct
- Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
- Student Employee Grievances
- Enrollment Registration Questions
- Tuition and Fee Appeals
Process
Student complaints outside of the processes identified above, should follow the outlined below.
"Student" is definited as:
- any individual currently registered at Wayne State University
- a person who was enrolled within the previous two semesters and is filing a complaint related to that timeframe
- an alumnus/ae who earned a degree within the previous two semesters and is filing a complaint related to the pursuit of that degree
- When a student files a complaint, it is received by the Dean of Students who will work with the appropriate parties to resolve the issue. We are committed to ensuring that this process is conducted fairly and within a reasonable timeframe.
- If a complaint is best addressed by a department other than the Dean of Students Office, the Dean of Students has the authority to forward the complaint to the appropriate parties.
- Someone from the Dean of Students Office will confirm receipt of the camplaint to the student.
- Once the relevant individuals have reviewed the complaint and reached a decision, the matter is considered resolved, regardless of the student’s satisfaction with the outcome.
- If the student making the complaint does not receive follow up within fifteen (15) business days after submission, they should contact the Dean of Students Office at doso@wayne.edu.
The above procedures were developed in accordance with the Higher Learning Commission Policy FDCR.A.10.030 Institutional Records of Student Complaints. Wayne State University is required by law to share information about complaints with its accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Individual identities will not be revealed without permission of the complainant or as required by law.
The Dean of Students Office will annually review the data to identify any trends/issues that warrant further investigation, revision to existing policies, etc. Information on these issues shall be complied into the Annual Institutional Summary of Student Complaints and shared with the appropriate university office(s) for action.