Student Grievance Forms: FAQ for Faculty and Staff

January 31, 2025 / Faculty/Staff Highlights

Addressing student grievances is an unfortunate part of our jobs as academicians. It is important for faculty and staff to know the different types of grievances and how to handle them. This informative piece will help address questions and answers specific to this topic.

What Types of Grievances Can Students File?
Students can file three types of grievances:

  • Discrimination: Concerns about inequitable treatment based on federal protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy and related conditions or disability.
  • Academic: Appeals of final course grades or dismissal from academic programs.
  • Non-Academic: Concerns about issues related to the misinterpretation or incorrect application of college policies or procedures that negatively affect the student.

How does the grievance process support NOVA’s Mission and Values?
NOVA is committed to its mission of providing equitable access to affordable, exceptional higher education and workforce programs while transforming lives and advancing opportunities in the community. The grievance process aligns with this mission in the following ways: 

  • Inclusion: Ensuring every student has a fair opportunity to address concerns so an authentic sense of belonging is experienced by all.
  • Respect: Upholding dignity and respect in every step of the grievance process.
  • Integrity: Providing a transparent and consistent framework for resolving disputes and documenting the college’s investigation into student grievances.
  • Excellence: Striving for prompt, thorough and fair investigation and resolution to all grievances.
  • Care: Demonstrating empathy and understanding for all throughout the grievance process.

What steps should faculty/staff take if a student mentions a grievance?
First, faculty and staff can “guide” or direct students to the appropriate grievance process or the new online form. Second, faculty and staff can “support” students as they engage in an informal or formal grievance procedure. Third, faculty and staff can “refer” students to the appropriate resources available at the college. Finally, all faculty and staff should review the grievance procedures outlined in Policy 608 and Procedure 608P for more information.

How are student grievances resolved?
For Informal Resolution, students are encouraged to meet with the employee or supervisor involved to seek resolution. Often, a grievance can be resolved through informal discussions with the appropriate NOVA employee or supervisor.

For Formal Resolution, students can file a formal grievance using the designated online forms. The appropriate college official(s) will review the grievance per the processes outlined in Procedure 608P and through a comprehensive process, a grievance will be investigated and resolved in accordance with the procedures in 608P.

What protections are in place against retaliation?
Retaliation against anyone involved in a grievance process is strictly prohibited at NOVA. Reports of retaliation will be investigated and may lead to disciplinary action.

Where can students find the grievance forms?
Students can access the forms via:

Who can a faculty or staff member talk to if they have more questions?
If you have questions about Academic Grievance procedures, please contact an academic dean, academic associate dean, campus provost or reach out to NOVA’s Chief Institutional Effectiveness & Inclusion Officer, Dr. Nathan Carter (NACarter@nvcc.edu).

For questions about Non-Academic Grievances or Discrimination Grievances, you may also contact Dr. Nathan Carter (NACarter@nvcc.edu).

If your questions pertain to how the college investigates sex discrimination, please contact NOVA’s Title IX Coordinator, Rahma Kohin (RKohin@nvcc.edu).

Submitted by:
Dr. Nathan Carter, Chief Institutional Effectiveness & Inclusion Officer, NACarter@nvcc.edu