Student Complaint Procedures

File a formal complaint

Purpose

The Dean of Students Office is committed to treating all members of the University community fairly in regard to their personal and professional concerns. The primary objective of the student complaint guidelines is to ensure that students voices can be heard and they receive a response from the appropriate person regarding concerns they raise through the student complaint procedures.

Definitions

For these purposes, a complaint is defined as dissatisfaction or disagreement with any decision by the institution; it’s faculty, staff or administration which affects Georgia Southern students. Complaints under this process must be made by the affected student and how the action/decision directly impacts them.  Students cannot file complaints for groups of students under this process.  Complaints covered by policies already in place (e.g., student employment, grade appeals, sexual harassment, discrimination, student conduct, etc.) are excluded from these guidelines.

Institutional Complaint Process

Any Georgia Southern University student who believes they have not been treated fairly may make use of the student complaint guidelines. All student complaints should be referred to the Dean of Students Office.  Complaints are referred in writing either through Georgia Southern email or through the Student Complaint Form on the Dean of Students website.  The Dean of Students Office does not make decisions outside the scope of its area of authority.  However, the Dean of Students Office serves as an advisor to the student through this entire process.

With the support of the Dean of Students Office, the student should present their complaint in writing to the potential source.  If the student is not satisfied with the response from the potential source, they may present the complaint in writing to the next-level supervisor.  For example, if the potential source is a faculty member, the next-level supervisor would be the department chair. The student must file a complete written statement of the alleged complaint. The statement should include the name of the potential source and the remedy sought.  If the issue is not resolved at this level, the complaint process will follow the chain of command of the department in question until a resolution is found.

Regardless of the decision concerning the complaint, no member of the University community may harass or retaliate against a student who has filed a complaint under the university complaint guidelines. Such actions of harassment or retaliation are explicitly forbidden by the university.

Appeals

After completing the guidelines described above, if a student feels that their situation has not been resolved at the institutional level, the student may appeal outside of the institution. Please search for how to file an Application for Discretionary Review with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia here.

Accreditation

Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialists and doctorate degrees. Georgia Southern University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Georgia Southern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404)-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc. should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the SACSCOC office. The Commission should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a SACSCOC accreditation requirement or standard.

Last updated: 8/29/2023