MSW Student Guide

University of Michigan School of Social Work · 2025–2026

Volume 1: Academic and Professional Policies

1.15 - Student Grievances

§1.15.01 · Process Governing Student Grievances

activeschool policy

Academic Year 2025-2026 · Maintained by Office of Student Services

Policy details & cross-references
Section1.15.01
Volume1: Academic and Professional Policies
Effective2025-09-01
Last reviewed2025-09-01
Review cycleannual
Responsible bodyOffice of Student Services
Contactssw-adedpgm@umich.edu
SourceOfficial guide
Tags
grievancecurriculumpolicyprocess-governing-student-grievances
Related policies
Summary: The School of Social Work wishes to resolve all student grievances. When concerns or issues arise regarding a course or instructor, the process governing student grievances shall occur as a sequential four-step course of action. At any point, students may engage the student government advocate and/or UM Student Ombuds.

The School of Social Work wishes to resolve all student grievances. When concerns or issues arise regarding a course or instructor, the process governing student grievances shall occur as a sequential four-step course of action. At any point, students may engage the student government advocate and/or UM Student Ombuds.

(a) Students shall meet with the instructor to attempt to resolve the matter. (b) Should the matter remain unresolved, students shall seek out their faculty advisor for guidance and potential mediation. (c) Should further problems still exist, students shall consult with the MSW program director for guidance and potential mediation. (d) Only in extenuating circumstances or when students have followed the aforementioned process and the matter remains unresolved should student grievances be heard by the associate dean for educational programs (ADEP) or a delegate.

Regarding (d), a written communication should be provided to the ADEP, indicating the specific nature of the grievance, all other remedies, including administrative actions, pursued by the grieving party with respect to the complaint, and the solution the aggrieved is seeking. The complaint may be returned to the grieving party for further specification or clarification. If the grievance has not been filed in a timeline consistent with the guidelines, the grievant should explain the reasons for the delay. Written statements submitted to the ADEP will become part of an official record.

Upon receiving a grievance, the ADEP shall make an initial determination based upon factual information as deemed relevant, whether (a) the complainant has not exhausted all other appropriate and viable remedies within the school (e.g., through the other party, their advisor, or after consulting the program director); (b) the subject matter of the complaint falls outside the jurisdictional scope of these procedures as hereinafter defined; or (c) the complaint is frivolous or lacking in merit. The ADEP will decline to assume jurisdiction if it concludes that one of these conditions exists.