Navigating Graduate Student Grievances at UMD: Your Guide to Fair Resolution

Source: https://gradschool.umd.edu/students/grievances Parent: https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions/choose-maryland/research-and-professional-missions

Welcome to the University of Maryland Graduate School's guide for graduate student grievances. We are committed to fostering an environment where all students, faculty, and staff are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, as outlined in the University Non-discrimination Policy and Procedures. This page is designed to help you understand what a grievance is, when you might consider filing one, who can support you, and the steps involved in the process.

What is a grievance?

A grievance is a formal complaint a graduate student may file if they believe they have been treated in a way that is:

• Unethical, unfair, or grossly unjust
• Uncivil, hostile, or intimidating
• Otherwise harmful to their learning or working environment

Grievances may involve faculty, staff, or other students. They can include both academic matters (such as program expectations, advising, or evaluation) and non-academic concerns (such as harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct). Some grievances require the involvement of other campus offices, such as the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM), the Office of Integrity and Responsible Conduct, or the Office of Student Conduct, to name a few.

When should I consider filing a grievance?

You may want to file a grievance if:

• You’ve tried to resolve an issue directly with the person involved or at the department level, but the problem continues.
• The situation creates a hostile or harmful environment that affects your ability to succeed.
• The matter cannot be fairly addressed through informal means.

Before filing a formal grievance, most students begin with seeking an informal resolution by speaking with their Director of Graduate Studies or Department Chair. Often, issues can be resolved this way. But if informal approaches do not work—or if the situation feels unsafe or inappropriate for direct resolution—a formal grievance may be filed.

Note: Not every concern qualifies as a grievance. For example, course offerings, departmental staffing, or appeals of specific grades are not covered under this policy. For grading appeals, please see the Graduate School’s policy on Arbitrary and Capricious Grading.

How does the grievance process work?

Step 1: Informal Consultation

• Talk with the person involved, if appropriate.
• If unresolved, consult with your Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or Department Chair.
• You are encouraged to contact the Graduate Ombuds and/or your college Resolution Officer listed below for confidential advice at this stage.

Step 2: Filing a Formal Grievance

• If informal steps don’t resolve the issue, you may submit a written grievance to your college’s Dean. Your Resolution Officer or the Ombuds can help you with this process or be your primary point of contact if the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or Dean is the subject of the grievance.
• The grievance will be reviewed according to the unit’s process. Confidentiality will be maintained.

Step 3: Filing a Formal Appeal

If you are not satisfied with the outcome at the unit/college level, you may file an appeal to the Graduate School Dean within 30 days of the decision. Your appeal to the Graduate School must include the following:

• A description of the facts of the case to show 1) how university policies were not upheld; and 2) how you have been adversely affected, including long-term impacts.
• Reasons why the college-level decision was not satisfactory.
• Your desired outcome and why such an outcome is appropriate.
• Finally, you must choose whether the Dean of the Graduate School may 1) decide the outcome of the appeal after consultation with all parties involved, or 2) follow the recommendations of a three-person panel appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School to review the case.

Step 4: Final Decision

• If you have requested that the Graduate Dean determine the outcome of the appeal, this will be communicated within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal letter.
• If you have requested that a panel be tasked with determining the outcome of the case, the decision of this panel will be submitted to the Graduate Dean within 30 days of the appeal letter being submitted. The Dean will then communicate the results and any remedies within 15 days of receiving the panel’s report.
• The Graduate Dean will issue a final decision within the timeframes listed above, and this decision is considered final.

Who can I talk to for support?

You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Several confidential and impartial resources are available:

For immediate assistance in a life-threatening or emergency situation, contact UMPD:  Dial: 911 or 301-405-3333 or Text: #3333

Resolution Officers – Faculty and staff members in your school or college who can listen, offer guidance, and connect you to resources. They provide a first point of contact if you’re unsure how to proceed.

Graduate Ombuds Officer is a confidential, neutral resource for all graduate students. The Ombuds can:

• Help you think through options
• Mediate conflicts
• Explain University policies in plain language
• Ensure your concerns are heard and considered fairly

The Graduate School's Incident Reporting Support Guide can assist you in navigating approaches to a range of issues such as harassment, discrimination, and problems with your advisor.

The Graduate School Unacceptable Behavior Incident Report Formis available if you have been impacted by and/or have witnessed an unacceptable behavior incident involving a graduate student.

The Graduate Academic Counselorcan talk through a range of issues including mental health and well-being, leaves of absence, and counseling resources.

Other campus student support services and resources are also available for specialized concerns (e.g., civil rights, sexual misconduct, mental health).

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