Student Complaint Policy

Student Complaint Process

The University of North Georgia provides a process for students to raise concerns and seek resolution. Each complaint is considered carefully and individually, with the goal of resolving concerns to the mutual satisfaction of those involved.

Students are encouraged to address concerns first at the level where the concern arose whenever possible. Many concerns can be resolved by communicating directly, calmly and honestly with the faculty or staff member involved.

Not sure where to start?

The Dean of Students Office can help you understand the Student Complaint Policy and determine the appropriate next step.

Types of Complaints

The Student Complaint Process is intended for general student complaints.
Some concerns have their own established University review or appeal process and should not be submitted through the Student Complaint Form.

If your concern is about:	Use This Process
A grade unrelated to Academic Integrity	— Office of the Provost
A Student Code of Conduct violation, including Academic Misconduct	— Office of Student Conduct & Integrity
A parking violation or citation	Parking Appeal — Parking Services
Discrimination	— Human Resources or Title IX
Sexual misconduct or sexual harassment	Title IX Process
Accommodations	Student Accessibility Services Process
Academic suspension	Academic Suspension Appeal — Academic Affairs
Satisfactory Academic Progress	SAP Appeal — Financial Aid
Residency	Residency Policy/Appeal Process — Residence Life
Consumer Complaints	Online Learning

Where to Start

There are two stages of the Student Complaint Process: Informal Complaint Resolution and Formal Complaint Resolution.

�鶹��Ʒ��߲�� encourages students to first attempt a good-faith resolution at the level where the concern arose before filing a Formal Complaint.

Informal Complaint Resolution

Usually the first step
Begins with the person involved
May include contacting the person's supervisor
Focuses on reaching a mutually acceptable resolution
No formal complaint form is required

Formal Complaint Resolution

Used when informal efforts have not resolved the concern
Begins with the official Student Complaint Form
Coordinated through the Dean of Students Office
Provides a structured and documented review
The complaint must meet the policy's 30-day submission requirement

Informal Process

The goal of the informal process is to give students and University faculty or staff an opportunity to resolve concerns directly and reach a mutually acceptable outcome whenever possible.

Step 1: Start With the Person Involved

The student should attempt to resolve the issue with the person with whom the issue arose, if possible.

This may include making an appointment with the faculty or staff member and calmly and honestly communicating the concern.

Step 2: Contact the Person's Supervisor

If the concern is not resolved, the student should attempt to resolve the issue with the Respondent's supervisor.

Putting your concern in writing is recommended. A clear explanation sent through your �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email can help clarify the issue and provide documentation of your efforts to resolve the concern.

Step 3: Determine Whether to File a Formal Complaint

If an appropriate resolution cannot be reached through the Informal Complaint Resolution Process, the student may choose to file a Formal Complaint.

Step 4 Find Help With the Informal Process

A Dean of Students can help you understand the Student Complaint Policy and process and provide guidance as you work toward resolving your concern.

Formal Process

If the concern has not been resolved through the informal process, a student may choose to submit a Formal Complaint.

Step 1: Submit the Student Complaint Form

Complainants must use the

Pay Attention to the Filing Deadline

A Formal Complaint must be submitted within 30 days of the alleged incident date or the date of the Respondent or Supervisor's response.

Step 2:The Dean of Students Office Receives the Complaint

The Formal Complaint Resolution Process begins when the Dean of Students Office receives the Student Complaint Form.

Step 3: The Complaint Is Reviewed for Clarity

The Dean of Students will work with the student to ensure the complaint details are clear.

If additional documentation is needed to support the Formal Complaint, the Dean of Students may request it through the student's �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email.

The Respondent will review the complaint, seek a resolution and respond to the student through �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email.

Step 4. The Complaint Is Forwarded for Review
The Dean of Students will forward the Formal Complaint to the appropriate Respondent, such as a:

Department Head

Director

Vice President

Other appropriate University administrator

Step 5. The Student Receives a Written Response
Complainants should receive a response through their �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email within 30 days of submitting the Student Complaint Form.

Students should monitor their �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email throughout the complaint process for requests for information, documentation and the University's written response.
The response will include:

The decision or response to the Formal Complaint; and

Information about the appeals process, if appropriate.

What Happens Next

Review by the Dean of Students

The Dean of Students will review your submission, clarify details as needed, and may request additional documentation via �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email.

Complaint forwarded to the appropriate administrator

Your complaint will be sent to the responsible University official (such as a Department Head, Director, or Vice President) for review and resolution efforts.

Receive a written decision

You will receive a written response—including the decision and appeal options—through your �鶹��Ʒ��߲�� email, typically within 30 days of submission.

Appeal Options

If an appeal is appropriate, information about the appeal process will be included in the written response to the Formal Complaint.

First-Level Appeal

If appropriate, a first-level appeal may be directed to the Respondent's supervisor, such as the Dean of the College or Dean of Students.

Final Institutional Appeal

Final institutional appeals will be directed to the Vice President responsible for the area related to the nature of the student's concern.

You do not need to determine the correct University office or process on your own.

The Dean of Students Office can help you:

Understand the Student Complaint Policy;
Determine whether the Student Complaint Process applies to your concern;
Identify the appropriate University process when another policy or appeal procedure applies; and
Understand the next steps in the informal or formal complaint process.

Need Support

Call us at 706-864-1900, email dos@ung.edu, or stop by to schedule a meeting with a staff member.

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