Policy Rationale
Vermont State University (VTSU) acknowledges students as the primary stakeholder in their academic experience. We value integrity, respect, and equity in all aspects of our educational environment, including having a transparent appeal and complaint process. Our goal is to ensure that students’ due process rights are respected and that they have a voice in matters affecting their academic experiences.
Policy
This policy provides a fair and transparent opportunity to challenge academic decisions and to voice any concerns or complaints they may have regarding their VTSU academic experience.
Reasons a student may utilize the academic appeals and complaints process include but are not limited to:
- Appeals regarding academic integrity and honesty violations
- Appeals for assignment grades
- Appeals for final course grades
- Appeals for denial of credits through course challenges
- Concerns/complaints regarding class scheduling challenges
- Complaints about instructor failure to follow course policies
- Complaints about Instructor failure to follow published University policies
- Concerns/complaints related to advisors and/or faculty
Students who need to report harassment or discrimination should use the Title IX Form
Concerns or complaints regarding disability accommodations should be directed to VTSU Disability Services at DisabilityServices@vermontstate.edu
Procedures
Step 1: Informal Resolution
Students are encouraged to speak with the individual(s) involved and may consider bringing a trusted person to the conversation. If a student feels uncomfortable with this, they may consult with the Program Coordinator, Department Chair, School Dean, their advisor(s), or other University support staff.
Step 2: Formal Resolution
If the student feels that the informal process has not reached a satisfactory resolution, they may submit the Academic Appeal & Complaint Form.
For advising concerns, the form will be delivered to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Advising & Career Development who will consult with the appropriate Dean of School (DOS) for advising concerns involving faculty. For academic appeals and other academic concerns, the form will be delivered to the relevant DOS.
The AVP and/or DOS will review the submission and may contact the student and/or faculty/staff for more information. Outcomes are sent to students via their university email within ten (10) business days .
Students who are not satisfied with the initial outcome may appeal to the Provost by sending an email to AcademicAffairs@vermontstate.edu. The Provost will review the submission and may contact the student and/or faculty/staff for more information. Outcomes are sent to students via their university email within ten (10) business days. The Provost’s decision is final.
Step 3: For Online Learning Complaints Only
After completing the VTSU Formal Resolution process (Step 2: Formal Resolution, above), if a student is unsatisfied with the resolution, they should use the Distance Education Resolution of Complaints process.
Responsibilities
Students:
- If comfortable, address the concern informally.
- Complete the Academic Appeals & Complaint Form if concern is unresolved after informal discussion, or if uncomfortable addressing informally first.
Administration:
- Address the student’s formal complaint in a timely manner (ideally providing a response within one week, if possible).
- Ensure due diligence in reviewing the appeal or complaint by following up with any involved parties.
Deans of Schools:
- If a Dean of Schools receives a concern/complaint connected to a faculty who reports to a different DOS, they will reassign the form to the appropriate DOS for review.
Related Documents and Forms
Academic Appeal and Complaint Form
Related Policies
Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty (in approval process)
Date of Last Approved Revision: March 2025
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