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Graduate students are encouraged to discuss their concerns first with appropriate members of their department as directed by the department's grievance procedures (e.g. the department head, director/chair of the graduate program, ombudsperson). All discussions will be treated as confidential at the student's request. In general, informal resolution is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to consult the MCS ombudsperson for graduate students (currently the Associate Dean for Special Projects) at any stage for general advice on resolving difficulties themselves.
When a satisfactory resolution is not reached within the department or when the nature of the concern makes it difficult for the student to discuss the issues within the department, the student is encouraged to contact the MCS ombudsperson for graduate students. Students may file a formal grievance by putting the complaint in writing to the ombudsperson, who will relay the complaint to the Dean.
For issues concerning formal academic actions or matters of written departmental policy, the Dean will ask each party involved to respond in writing. The Dean will determine an appropriate resolution, typically within 30 days. The student has the right to appeal this decision to the Provost's Office.
For difficulties not related to formal written policy, the Dean will ask each party to respond in writing. The Dean may also request discussions among the involved parties, the ombudsperson, and the Dean. Either the student or the Dean's Office may consult the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at any point in this process. If these discussions do not produce a resolution, the student has the right present the grievance to the Provost.
In all cases, the nature of the grievance, the written materials, and the findings are considered to confidential for all parties involved.
Note that matters related to sexual harassment or intellectual property are governed by University policies and related procedures.
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