To describe the method of processing a student grievance. This procedure shall not substitute for other grievance procedures specified in Minnesota State Board policies, Winona State University policies and regulations, or negotiated agreements.

A. Grievance - A written claim raised by a student, alleging improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory action by an employee involving the application of a specific provision of a university rule/regulation or a Minnesota State board policy or procedure.

B. Complaint – An oral claim by a student alleging improper, unfair or arbitrary treatment.

C. Appeal – A request for reconsideration of a grievance application of a policy or procedure.

D. Retaliation – Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating in a complaint or grievance.

E. Student – An individual student, a group of students, or the student government.

A. Step I – When a student has a complaint/grievance, s/he shall first meet on an informal basis with the faculty, staff member, or university administrator directly involved in the dispute in an attempt to resolve the complaint/grievance.

B. Step II – When a student has a complaint/grievance which remains unresolved after consultation with the faculty member, staff member, or university administrator directly involved in the dispute, the student shall file a written account of their grievance with the appropriate academic dean in cases where the dispute involves teaching faculty, or the appropriate supervisor in cases where the dispute involves other university employees. This notification shall contain a statement indicating the intention of the party to proceed with the grievance, and the relief requested. The academic dean, appropriate supervisor, or designee, shall respond in writing to the student(s) within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the written, signed notice of grievance.

C. Step III - If the grievance is not resolved at the Step II meeting, the student(s) may appeal to the vice president for that area. The vice president shall consider the appeal and make a decision. The VP shall respond in writing to the student within Winona State University fourteen (14) days of receipt of the written, signed notice of appeal. The decision of the vice president is final and binding.

A student has the right to seek a remedy for a dispute or disagreement. No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participation in a complaint or grievance.