91ÖĆƬł§

Skip Navigation

UMGC Policy V-1.02 UMGC Policy on Student Grievance Procedures

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

Policy CategoryPolicy OwnerVersion Effective DateReview CycleLast ReviewedPolicy Contact
V. Student Affairs   SVP & Chief Student Affairs OfficerJuly 30, 2025Every 2 yearsJuly 30, 2025Student Resolution Services, or
(240) 684-2224
  1. Introduction

    1. Before initiating a formal grievance under the procedures outlined below, students are encouraged to engage with the Student Resolution team as a first step. Student Resolution Specialists work directly with students and the involved parties to address concerns related to student services, university policies, and other aspects of the student experience. This informal resolution process is often collaborative and restorative, aiming to resolve issues promptly and equitably without the need for escalation.

      To submit a report or learn more about the process, visit the Student Resolution webpage. Students may also contact Student Resolution Services directly at resolution.management@umgc.edu or (240) 684-2224.

    2. In accordance with the , approved on January 11, 1990, these procedures are for students who wish to seek redress for the acts or omissions of individual UMGC faculty or staff members, or UMGC academic departments or administrative units.
    3. Allegations of arbitrary and capricious grading will be processed under UMGC Policy on Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading. An allegation made by a student against another student will be processed under UMGC Code of Student Conduct. Allegations of plagiarism against students will be processed under UMGC Policy on Academic Integrity. Allegations of discrimination or harassment will be processed in accordance with UMGC Policy on Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment ˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýUMGC Policy on Sexual Misconduct.
    4.  When filing a student grievance under these procedures, the burden of proof rests upon the student to provide clear and convincing evidence.
  2. Definitions
    1. The term "conference" refers to a communication between two or more individuals by telephone, in writing (including but not limited to e–mail, fax, or posted letter), through videoconferencing, or in person.
    2. The "administrator" for complaints against UMGC Stateside undergraduate or graduate programs faculty, staff, academic departments, or administrative units is the Chief Student Affairs Officer or designee. The administrator for complaints against UMGC Europe or UMGC Asia faculty, staff, academic departments or administrative units is the Vice President and Director, Europe Operations or Vice President and Director, Asia Operations or designee.
    3. The "respondent" refers to the individual UMGC faculty or staff member or UMGC academic departments or administrative units against whom the formal complaint is filed.
  3. Procedures
    1. Students who wish to seek redress for the acts or omissions of a respondent must first request a conference with the respondent and attempt to resolve the complaint informally within 14 calendar days of the alleged act or omission.
    2. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, the student may file a formal complaint in writing to the administrator within 30 calendar days of the alleged act or omission to studentaffairs@umgc.edu with “Student Grievance Documentation” in the subject line. If a Student Grievance is filed against the administrator, the formal complaint may be filed with the Chief Student Affairs Officer. The written complaint must include:
      1. A concise description of the act or omission,
      2. All facts relevant to the grievance,
      3. The resolution sought,
      4. All arguments in support of the desired solution, and
      5. Relevant supporting documentation.
    3. Upon receipt of the complaint, the administrator will immediately inform the respondent, in writing, of the alleged act or omission. Within 30 calendar days of receipt of the complaint, the administrator will conduct a preliminary administrative inquiry, which can be staffed by the administrator's designee(s). All material reviewed will be considered confidential and shared only with those with a need to know. The administrator or designee(s) may communicate with the respondent and give the respondent the opportunity to present any relevant evidence. The administrator will dismiss the complaint if the student has failed to comply with procedure or if there is no evidence of the alleged act or omission based upon the inquiry.
    4. The student and the respondent will be notified of the decision in writing within 40 calendar days of the administrator's receipt of the complaint. Dismissal of the complaint at this stage by the administrator may be appealed to the Chief Student Affairs Officer.
  4. Investigation Committee
    1. If the complaint is not dismissed within 40 calendar days of receipt of the formal complaint, the administrator will appoint a three–member ad hoc Investigation Committee within 14 calendar days. The Committee will consist of UMGC employees, with one member appointed chair of the Committee. No member of the Committee may be personally or professionally associated with the allegation. The Investigation Committee may be advised by legal counsel during this process. The administrator or designee(s) will instruct this Committee to review the materials obtained during the inquiry.
    2. Within 30 calendar days after being convened, the Committee will hold a fact–finding conference or conduct an investigation. The Committee will communicate with the respondent and the student and give them the opportunity to present any relevant evidence. The respondent may submit questions in writing for the student regarding the alleged act or omission.
    3. If a fact–finding conference is held, the respondent and the student will be entitled to be present. The respondent and the student may be accompanied by a representative, who may be an attorney, at his or her own expense. Representatives may advise during the course of a fact–finding conference but shall not personally participate. Parties who wish to be accompanied by an attorney must inform the administrator in writing at least 5 calendar days before the scheduled date of the proceeding. Representatives may not appear in lieu of persons accused.
    4. Within 10 calendar days of holding a fact–finding conference or conducting an investigation, the Investigation Committee will deliberate and issue a brief written opinion containing the findings of the Investigation Committee and any recommendations to the administrator. The administrator will review the recommendations and render one of the following decisions:
      1. A ruling in favor of the student and the student's proposed resolution;
      2. A ruling in favor of the student with a new proposed resolution; or
      3. A ruling not in favor of the student.
    5. Within 10 calendar days of receiving the Investigation Committee's recommendation, the administrator or designee will notify the student and the respondent of the decision in writing.
  5. Appeals
    1. If the student or respondent believes that the process and procedures outlined in this Policy were not followed, within 30 calendar days of the date of the administrator's dismissal in Section III.D. or the administrator's decision in Section IV.C., an appeal may be submitted to the Chief Student Affairs Officer in writing. (If the Student Grievance was filed against the administrator and handled by the Chief Student Affairs Officer, the appeal may be filed with the President.)
    2. Within 14 calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) may review and communicate with the student, the respondent, the administrator, or the Investigation Committee to determine whether the process and procedures were followed. The Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) may render one of the following decisions:
      1. If the Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) finds evidence of violation of the process and procedures of this Policy, the Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) will direct the administrator to review the case anew.
      2. If the Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) finds no evidence of violation of the process and procedures this Policy, the Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) will uphold the ruling of the administrator.
    3. The Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) will respond, in writing, within 30 calendar days of the appeal.
    4. The decision of the Chief Student Affairs Officer or President or designee(s) is final and is not appealable.

By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our Privacy Policy.