Department of Biology Grievance Form

WHAT IS THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS?
A grievance is a claim that an academic action or decision involved alleged unfair or irresponsible behavior including violations of department, College, or University policies. Grievances can involve faculty, students (undergraduate or graduate), and/or staff.

GRADE GRIEVANCES
An instructor has the primary responsibility for assigning grades and his or her judgment is final unless there is evidence of discrimination or procedural irregularities. A disagreement with the judgment made by the instructor is not a valid reason for submitting a grievance. The department will not override an instructor's determination of a grade except in cases of documented policy violations or discriminatory practices. Arrange a meeting with the instructor to discuss your concerns prior to submitting your grievance.

CONFLICTS
If you experience a conflict with an instructor, classmate, or peer, you you should try and resolve the issue with that person directly, prior to requesting involvement from the Department of Biology. Most issues can be resolved by scheduling a meeting and discussing your concerns calmly and with the goal of reaching a resolution. In situations where a meeting is not possible, you will have an opportunity to explain in the form below.

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Fill out this form in its entirety and be prepared to provide supporting documentation. The more information we have, the faster we can resolve issues. Every effort will be made to assist in a confidential manner. In some situations it may be necessary that we speak with all parties involved. Therefore, we cannot promise confidentiality. However, the information you provide here is only for the purposes of assisting with your dispute.

It is important to note that the outcome of the grievance may be that either party is in the right. After we have completed our investigation, you will be informed of our conclusions. This represents the final decision from the department.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A GRIEVANCE IS UNRESOLVED?
You should not reach out to the Dean of the College of Science until you have submitted the grievance to Biology and we have attempted resolution. If the dispute requires further intervention, we will refer you. If you contact the Office of the President or Provost regarding your grievance you will be referred back to the Department. They will not attempt to resolve your issue.

NOTE: After you fill out the form, be sure to click "submit" to have it forwarded to the department for review. You will see a confirmation message and will also receive an email confirmation of the grievance form that was submitted.

Name Name * First Last
UTA ID number *
Undergraduate or graduate *

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student?
Phone Phone - ### - ### ####
Mavs Email *

This must be your Mavs email address.
Date Grievance was filed (today's date) Date Grievance was filed (today's date) * / MM / DD YYYY
Course name and/or course number *

Enter N/A for a grievance about a degree program or other non-course specific issue.
Semester and year course was taken *

Enter N/A for a grievance about a degree program or other non-course specific issue.
Instructor, staff member, or supervising faculty name *
Date(s) issue occurred *
Have you discussed this specific issue with your professor, instructor, teaching assistant, lab coordinator, or staff member? *

Have you discussed this specific issue with your professor, instructor, teaching assistant, lab coordinator, or staff member? YES NO
If you responded NO above, please explain why.
If you responded YES, please explain the outcome of the discussion *
Nature of the Grievance
Describe the specific reason(s) for your grievance, including relevant dates, events, assessments involved. Be prepared to provide documentation. *
Possible resolutions. Please explain how you would like to see this situation resolved. *
Upload your supporting documentation here. *

Attach Files

Examples of documentation include: screenshots of e-mails, chats, assignment feedback; medical or travel documentation, etc. You may be asked to provide originals at a later time. (Max: 5 files)