Graduate Student Grievance Procedures

The University of Cincinnati provides an opportunity for the resolution of disputes involving graduate students in a fair and collegial manner. The Graduate Student Grievance Procedures establish a formal academic process for graduate students to request review and redress of certain complaints arising out of their academic relationships with their programs, their colleges, or the university. The grievance begins with a mediation process and may proceed, if necessary, through the more formal review and decision or appeal processes. In general, however, it is expected that grievances will be resolved by the parties within their programs. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the university Ombuds Office for possible resolution before initiating the formal grievance process. Students, faculty and staff should note that Grievance Procedures are not legal protocols. They are, however, effective means by which to resolve conflicts. The Graduate College endorses these procedures and expects all programs and students involved to follow them according to the established guidelines. No outside parties, such as lawyers, ministers, and family members, are allowed to participate in or impose upon the procedures. The Graduate Student Grievance Procedures cannot supplant final sanctions stemming from the University of Cincinnati Student Code of Conduct process. There is a time limit to filing a grievance: it must be filed within 60-90 business days of the alleged improper mistreatment.

The procedures are applicable to the following types of grievances:

• grievances alleging improper dismissal or suspension from a graduate program, not as a result of the Student Code of Conduct process;
  
• grievances alleging the improper withholding or termination of financial support of any kind;
  
• grievances alleging any other improper treatment, either substantive or procedural, of a graduate student by a university employee or university affiliate except:
  
  • allegations of improper evaluation of the quality and/or quantity of academic work, which a student cannot grieve;
    
  • allegations of unfair recommendation for employment or further graduate study, which a student cannot grieve;
    
  • allegations of discrimination or harassment that are subject to review by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access or the Office of Gender, Equity and Inclusion.