Student Complaint Process
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to providing a quality educational experience for all students. The objective of the student complaint process is to ensure all official student complaints are addressed fairly and promptly.
The Dean of Students Office manages the student complaint process and is available to advise and support you throughout the process.
Before You File a Complaint
Many campus issues can be resolved without a formal complaint. Before you submit an official student complaint, the university requires that you have already attempted resolution through standard university procedures.
For example, if you have a complaint regarding a faculty member, you should first seek to resolve that issue with the faculty member, or with the department chair.
Here are more suggestions of potential first steps:
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Academic Concerns: Conduct of Classes or Other Course Matters
- Address the concern(s) with the course instructor.
- If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, or if you would be uncomfortable confronting the instructor, take the concern to the chair of the appropriate academic department who will explain the course grievance process for that department.
- If a resolution is not achieved through the academic department, you may then bring the matter to the appropriate College Dean's office.
- If a resolution is not achieved through the College Dean's office, you may then bring the matter in writing or email to the Office of the Provost.
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Academic Concerns: Course Grades
- Address the concern(s) with the course instructor.
- If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, or if you would be uncomfortable confronting the instructor, take the concern to the chair of the appropriate academic department. If the instructor is the department chairperson, the conference should be with the instructor and college dean.
- If a resolution is not achieved there, you may appeal, in writing, to the Admission and Academic Appeals Committee (AAAC). The committee will hear both sides of the issue, examine the records, and advise the provost and all parties concerned on a recommended solution. Your appeal must be received no later than six months after completing the course.
- Grievances about course grades which are appealed to the AAAC must address specific complaints related to grading, not concerns regarding conduct of classes or other course matters. In order for the AAAC to hear a formal grade appeal, you must have a specific example of a major paper, project, lab, or exam that was graded or recorded incorrectly that has significantly affected your grade.
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Non-Academic Concerns: Faculty/Staff Concerns, Parking, Residence Halls, Employment, etc.
- Address the concern(s) with the individual involved.
- If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, or if you would be uncomfortable confronting the individual, take the concern to the appropriate department supervisor.
- If resolution is not achieved there, you may then bring the matter to the Dean of Students Office for assistance.
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Concerns: Behavior of Other Students
For behavior that is criminal in nature or immediate threats, please contact University Police at 134 Brigham Hall, 608.342.1584, and report the incident to one of the sworn officers. For other concerns regarding behavior by students, the issue should be referred to the Dean of Students Office, 2300 Markee Pioneer Student Center, 608.342.1854, for assistance.
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University of Wisconsin System Complainant Portal
An individual may file a complaint against any University of Wisconsin System public institution alleging a violation of one or more of the following categories: a violation of state consumer protection laws including but not limited to fraud and false advertising; a violation of state law or rule relating to licensure of post-secondary institutions; relating to the quality of education or State or other accreditation requirements. Click here for policy and reporting procedures.
How to Submit a Complaint
Only formal written complaints, signed by a you or sent through your official UW-Platteville email, and addressed to the Dean of Students will be accepted as official complaints. In the complaint, you need to demonstrate that you have already attempted and not achieved resolution through other university procedures.
You can mail or deliver formal written complaints to:
Dean of Students Office
1 University Plaza
2300 MPSC
Platteville, WI 53818
Or, email to deanofstudents@uwplatt.edu. You must use your official UW-Platteville student email address.
After Submitting a Complaint
Once the Dean of Students Office receives a complaint, the following steps will be implemented:
- Official complaints will be tracked by the Dean of Students Office who will note the nature of the complaint, and the date it was first formally submitted, and then assign the complaint to the appropriate university authority for resolution.
- Once the outcome of the complaint has been determined, the assigned authority will submit a written summary to the Dean of Students Office including the following:
- The steps taken to resolve the complaint
- The university's final decision regarding the complaint, including referrals to outside agencies
- A list of any external entities contacted by the student to investigate the complaint, if known by the university (e.g. the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, attorneys, etc.)
- If the assigned authority does not submit a documented resolution, the Dean of Students Office will contact the assigned authority's supervisor to follow up.
- Once the complaint has been resolved, the student will receive information about the outcome.
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How Else Will Complaint Information Be Used?
Individual student identities and situation-specific information will only be shared with those university employees who need to know to resolve the complaint.
The Dean of Students Office will also maintain and compile an Annual Report of Institutional Records for Student Complaints. The Annual Report will contain the following information:
- The total number of complaints received per administrative division (e.g. Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, etc.)
- The types of complaints received by generic category (e.g. grade dispute, allegation of sexual harassment, etc.)
- The total number of complaints referred to external agencies for final resolution
- A summary record of each complaint received, the actions taken by the university, and any information concerning a referral to an external agency for final resolution
The Annual Report will:
- Not reveal student identities or names
- Not be shared with any external entities (e.g. Higher Learning Commission).
- Be used to track only current and recent student complaints
- Not be used to track complaints made by parents, employees, or others, even if the complaint relates to a student
- Be used to identify and summarize any trends/issues in student complaints
- Be submitted to university leadership and others responsible for university assessment, planning, and accreditation as needed
