Student Academic Concerns & Complaints

Introduction

Drexel University believes that students should be made aware of how to file an academic complaint for perceived violations of rules, policies, civility or established practice by university employees or fellow students should that become necessary. Mindful of that pledge, the University is committed to the development and maintenance of processes for the good faith review and resolution of student complaints that will:

  • Encourage resolution of alleged violations using prescribed/informal procedures at the unit level;
  • Allow for a resolution mechanism if not resolved informally within the unit; and
  • Facilitate the understanding that once the final decision has been rendered, it is not subject to further appeal within the university.

It is the University’s commitment that retaliation against any individual who has filed a complaint, or who has cooperated in the investigation of a complaint, is unlawful and in violation of Drexel University policy.

Initial Resolution Process

Students should begin by seeking an informal resolution of their academic complaint with the program, department, individual, or office where the incident is alleged to have occurred, typically beginning with the relevant professor or academic advisor. If the matter is resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties, then no further action is warranted, and the matter is considered closed.

If, however, the matter is not resolved in an appropriate, equitable, respectful, and mutually agreeable manner, the next step is to seek a resolution with the direct supervisor of the faculty, administrator or staff member involved in the dispute, as outlined in the respective school/college’s process.

While the corresponding resolution process will vary across academic units (school or college), in all cases the final arbiter of the process is the dean of the unit (or the dean’s designee, if one is identified). The dean's decision on the matter is considered final. Appeal of the decision of the dean is only considered by the Provost's Office if there is reason to believe a relevant University process or procedure has not been followed.

Graduate students: For further appeals, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies via graduatecollege@drexel.edu.

Further Information on Addressing Student Academic-Related Concerns & Complaints

Academic Integrity

Drexel University’s Academic Integrity Policy prohibits the following examples of academic misconduct: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, and academic misconduct. You can read about Drexel’s Academic Integrity Policy on the Office of Student Life’s website.

To address, resolve, or appeal for any allegations for academic integrity, view Drexel’s Academic Integrity Conduct Process page and contact StudentConduct@drexel.edu.

Academic Standing, Appealing Grades and Academic Dismissals

Whether you are in need of specific support or just want to make sure you're on track with your academic goals, you are encouraged to take advantage of the wide array of academic support services in place at Drexel to assist you. Please visit Drexel’s Student Success and Support for more information.

For the policy and procedure for appealing an Academic Dismissal:

For the policy and procedure for Grade Appeals:

Compliance & University Code of Conduct

Drexel is committed to providing quality education, research and community service. The University’s Code of Conduct is set to uphold Drexel’s values and the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

To report or address any allegations of suspected improper conduct including academic-related issues such as academic integrity, FERPA violations or other student related matters, refer to Drexel’s Compliance Hotline page.

Disability Accommodations and Appeals for Students

Students who are seeking accommodations or temporary adjustments must complete the registration process found on the Office of Disability Resource’s website. To learn more, you can visit Drexel’s Reasonable Accommodation of Individuals with Disabilities Policy (ODR-1).

If you have a disability and you have been approved for reasonable accommodations, but feel those accommodations have not been provided appropriately, you should contact the Office of Disability Resources (ODR).

If you believe you have been denied reasonable accommodation by Office of Disability Resources, you can make an appeal or address any disputes about accommodation by submitting a Letter of Appeal to the Associate Vice President of Student Success and Chief of Staff. You can find more information regarding appeals at Drexel’s Appeals Policy.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) generally prohibits the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information derived from education records. For more information regarding how these protections affect you as a Drexel student, please review Drexel's full FERPA policy (PO-38). Students can also choose to waive FERPA and grant access to educational records to parents, guardians, and other persons.

To report any violations, ask questions, or voice concerns about improper disclosure of personally identifiable information derived from education records, forward your complaint to the University Registrar at FERPA@drexel.edu.

General Graduate Student Grievances

If a graduate student has a grievance and is not sure how or where to seek assistance, they can email the Office of Graduate Studies at graduatecollege@drexel.edu. They will then be directed to the appropriate campus stakeholder.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Drexel commits to creating meaningful interactions between United States citizens and nationals of other countries by organizing culturally enriching opportunities for all members of the Drexel community. To learn more about the services and opportunities available to international students, visit Drexel’s International Students and Scholars Services page.

Any questions or concerns can be addressed through Drexel’s ISSS services, including face to face meetings/office hours, appointments, virtual advising sessions. You can find links to book appointments or email isss@drexel.edu.

Further Resources

General Student Resources

Please find additional general student information on this page including, but not limited to, general academic information, Campus News, Campus Resources, Courses & Registration, Crisis Help, Financial Services & resources, Health & Wellness, and Technology Resources.

Emergency Resources

Please find Emergency Resources on this page including, but not limited to, information on Public Safety with important phone numbers, the Counseling Center, reporting any form of discrimination or harassment via the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture (EIC), and weather-related closings and delayed openings.