Conflict between graduate students and faculty members occasionally arises. When conflicts occur, they can often be resolved through discussion that engages both parties who are directly involved. However, when such attempts are unsuccessful or in cases in which a graduate student feels the need for third party support in resolving a conflict with a faculty member, the Graduate School’s grievance procedure provides a process for support and intervention through investigating complaints and rendering decisions fairly and promptly.
The process includes up to four steps as needed to reach resolution. Most graduate student grievances are resolved to the satisfaction of all parties within the first two or three steps of the process. The Graduate School can answer questions about the grievance process or recommend other offices across campus that can help depending on the nature of the complaint (contact QGRADSTUDIES@alfaisal.edu). The procedure is based on the Grievances & Complaints process outlined by the Cornell University Graduate School (https://gradschool.cornell.edu/policies/grievances-andcomplaints/).
5.1.1 Key Steps in the Graduate School’s Grievance Procedure
At each of the steps described below, students may have a witness or support person accompany them to each meeting. In each phase of the process, the student must clearly indicate the topic of the grievance and to the extent possible articulate what is believed to be a fair remedy.
• Step One: Student speaks directly to the source of the grievance. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of Step One, go to Step Two.
• Step Two: The student contacts the College Graduate Program Director/ College Vice Dean for Graduate Studies. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of Step Two, go to Step Three. If the College Graduate Program Director/ College Vice Dean for Graduate Studies is the source of the complaint, skip Step Two and go to Step Three.
• Step Three: Bring the case to the Graduate School / Director for Graduate Studies. If the student (or the other party) is not satisfied with the outcome of Step Three, go to Step Four.
• Step Four: The Graduate School through the Research & Graduate Council (RGC) refers the case to a Graduate Grievance Review Board (GGRB), composed of two graduate students and three faculty members. The GGRB recommendations are reviewed by the Provost/ President who will make the final determination.