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Complaints & Grievances

The UofL Student Complaint & Grievance process enables students to raise concerns regarding academic and non-academic experiences, following the guidelines outlined in the UofL Redbook Section 6.8.

General Complaint & Grievance Information

  • Students are encouraged to resolve complaints at the appropriate level of dispute; however, should this approach fail or be inappropriate, students may submit written complaints through the online complaint form.
  • Complaints that can be addressed through an existing process will be referred to that process.  
    • Examples include but are not limited to, residency appeals, first-year housing appeals, parking appeals, meal plan appeals, academic petitions, student conduct, etc.  
  • While the academic and non-academic complaint processes differ, both may be submitted through the Complaint Form to initiate the appropriate process. 
  • Complaints & grievances may be submitted anonymously; however, this may limit the actions that can be taken, and no follow-up will be provided.
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While the academic and non-academic processes are different, both can be submitted via the Complaint Form. The individual processes are outlined below.

Academic Complaints & Grievances

1

Attempt to Resolve the Concern with the Instructor

Students should attempt to resolve the concern with their instructor before submitting a complaint. 

2

Submit the Online Student Complaint Form

Academic complaints submitted through the complaint form will be forwarded to the Department Chair or the appropriate contact overseeing the professor or department to assist the student with obtaining an informal resolution. This will occur within three (3) business days.

3

Speak with the Department Chair/Contact About the Concern

The student should speak with the appropriate Department Chair/Contact about their concerns and seek to resolve the situation. 

4

Escalation to a Formal Academic Grievance

If the Department Chair/Contact does not adequately address the concerns or they have been unresponsive, a student may file an Academic Grievance. A grievance is defined as a student-initiated formal escalation of an unresolved academic complaint. 

Dr. Joy Hart serves as the Student Grievance Officer, providing guidance, answering questions about the grievance process, and facilitating the process. Dr. Hart can be contacted at Joy.hart@louisville.edu.

Non-Academic Process

1

Attempt to Resolve the Concern with the Staff/Department/Etc.

Students should first attempt to address the issue directly with the person, department, or program involved.

2

Submit the Online Student Complaint Form

Completed complaint forms will be sent to the Dean of Students Office, which will acknowledge receipt within three (3) business days and refer the complaint to the appropriate University official.

 

 

3

Complaint is Referred to the Appropriate University Official for Review

Complaints will be referred to the appropriate University official (Dean, Director, Supervisor, etc.) with responsibility for the individual or department named in the complaint. 

The appropriate University official should issue a resolution within twenty-one (21) business days, either in writing or through a meeting or phone call.

 

 

4

Resolution Issued

A complaint is considered resolved once the University official issues a resolution, regardless of whether the resolution is in the student's favor. 

If a student is unsatisfied with the resolution to the complaint, they may submit an appeal per the UofL Redbook in Article 6.8. 

Complaint Process FAQ