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Student Complaint Procedures

SUNY Schenectady recognizes that there may be times when a students feels they have not received an appropriate grade or have not been treated fairly. As such, the College has a process for students to use to attempt to address their concerns. All students have the ability to participate in these processes.

Student Complaint Procedures for Academic and Administrative Matters

A student wishing to file a complaint regarding an academic matter should complete the following steps:

  • Consult with the instructor of the course in question. If an understanding or resolution is not achieved, or if this step is not feasible, the student may then...
  • Consult with the appropriate Dean. The Dean will consult with the involved faculty member and with the student and attempt to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. If an understanding or resolution is not achieved, the student may then...
  • Appeal in writing to the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. The written appeal, detailing both the complaint and the results of the consultations with the instructor and with the dean, should be delivered to the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. An appointment for consultation with the Vice President may be scheduled at that time. The faculty member involved will be notified that the student has appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and be given a copy of the student’s written appeal. 

A student wishing to file a complaint regarding an administrative matter should complete the following steps:

  • Consult with the staff member who has responsibility for the matter in question. If an understanding or resolution is  not achieved, the student may then...
  • Consult with the supervisor of the office or unit for a resolution of the complaint. If a resolution is to be appealed, the student may then...
  • Appeal in writing to the Assistant Vice President of the division which has administrative responsibility for that office or unit.
  • The written appeal, detailing both the complaint and the results of the consultations with the staff member and supervisor should be delivered to the Office of the Assistant Vice President. An appointment for consultation with the Assistant Vice President may be scheduled at that time.

Determination and Disposition of a Complaint

The Vice President will respond to a written complaint within 30 days of receipt. The Vice President will consult with and notify the President of determinations and dispositions. The student will be notified in writing of the decision.

Complaint Resolution for Online Students

A student should follow the outlines above for all Academic Matters and/or Administrative Matters to file a complaint with SUNY Schenectady first, before escalating the concern to higher levels. 

SUNY Schenectady is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and follows the complaint resolution policies and procedures outlined within the SARA Policy Manual and summarized here. Consumer protection complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations may be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Schenectady at 518-381-1381 for investigation and resolution. If a student is dissatisfied with the campus-based resolution, a concern may be submitted to System Administration of the State University of New York as outlined here. And, if still not satisfied, a complaint may be submitted, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the New York State Education Department as outlined here. Please note, this does not include complaints related to grades or student conduct violations, both of which are to be fully addressed via campus processes, not through the NC-SARA complaint resolution procedures.

All Other Matters

A student who wishes to file a complaint regarding a College matter but is uncertain where to begin the process should begin with the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs for referral to the appropriate office.