Academic Grievance Procedures

• Introduction
• Academic Grievance Procedures
  • Policies and Procedures
  • I. Responsibilities of Faculty
  • II. Responsibilities of Students
  • III. Resolution of Academic Grievances
  • IV. The Academic Grievance Committee
  • V. Authority of the Academic Grievance Committee
  • VI. Reports of the Academic Grievance Committee
  • VII. Redress Beyond the University
  • Appeal Packet Checklist

Academic Grievance Procedures: Appeal Packet Checklist

The sample checklist below is a tool to assist students in navigating the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) Academic Grievance Procedures and in preparing a complete and detailed academic grievance appeal packet for the Academic Grievance Committee (AGC). Students who wish to file a grievance should contact the Office of Student Conduct for a current checklist.

The UHM Academic Grievance Procedures are located at Academic Grievance Procedures.

Download the Appeal Packet Checklist (PDF)*

Students should complete and document each step in the Academic Grievance (AG) process in order to ensure that grievances are given due consideration. Be sure to collect the information and documentation below when compiling a grievance. Additional supporting documents may be included as appropriate for each step. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the UHM Office of Student Conduct.

Step 1: Student shall attempt to resolve issue with the Instructor.

Grievances must be initiated no later than the end of the semester following the end of the course in question.

Step 2: Student submits formal written complaint to Department Chair.

If issue is not resolved upon completion of Step 1, Student should then prepare a formal, written complaint. Please see 2a to 2c below. Provide all information and documentation requested.

Step 2a: Student files a formal complaint in writing to the Department Chair; a copy of the written complaint must be provided to the Instructor. The formal complaint must include:

• A statement of facts as the grievant perceives them, citing specific violations where possible.
• The remedy sought by the grievant.
• The respondent’s statement or actions, if any, during or after the Step 1 consultations.
• Attach appropriate documentation or correspondence, such as email or assignments.

Step 2b: Within 10 days of receipt of formal written academic grievance complaint, the Department Chair shall meet with Student and Instructor (separately or jointly) to discuss the complaint.

Step 2c: Department Chair shall notify Student and Instructor of determination or decision in writing Department Chair shall notify Student and Instructor of determination or decision in writing

Step 3: Student submits written appeal to Academic Grievance Committee.

If a satisfactory solution is not achieved in Step 2, the student may file a grievance appeal in writing via the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) with the Academic Grievance Committee.

Please remember:

• The burden of proof rests upon the student filing the complaint
• The findings and decisions of the Academic Grievance Committee are final and binding within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

N.B. THE TIME LINE FOR THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS IS NOTED IN THE ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES. DEADLINES MAY BE EXTENDED BY THE Office of Student Conduct ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.