The university has procedures to provide assistance to students experiencing conflict. Policies and procedures for conflict resolution are overseen by several offices on campus, including the Graduate College, the Office of the Dean of Students, International Student and Scholar Services, the Office of Access and Equity, and, in some cases, individual departments. The type of conflict will determine from which university office(s) the student should seek assistance.
Academic Conflict
Academic conflict may be addressed through informal processes or through a formal grievance process. It is recommended that students first explore the option of informally resolving an academic conflict. A student who believes they have an academic grievance should first discuss it with their adviser. If discussion with the adviser is inappropriate or unfruitful, discussion with a senior faculty member, director of graduate study, or a department or unit head is recommended.
Employment Conflict
Most conflicts between a supervisor and a student can be prevented if the student is given a clear description of responsibilities and expectation for performance and if the student receives regular supervision and evaluation. When a serious conflict between an assistant and a supervisor occurs, reasonable attempts should be made to resolve the conflict informally. If there is a conflict between a supervisor and an assistant that cannot be resolved by informal means, additional resources for students experiencing employment-related conflict include the following:
- the Policy and Procedures for Addressing Discrimination and Harassment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,
- the Agreement by and between The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) (for graduate assistants that are covered); and
- the Illinois Human Resources Office.
Grievances Alleging Discrimination
See Article 1, Part 1 of the Student Code for information on grievances alleging discrimination. Students may also reach out to the Office for Access and Equity, the Title VI Office, or the Title IX Office for additional support.
Capricious Grading
See section 3-107 of the Student Code for information on capricious grading and the departmental procedures for investigating capricious grading complaints.
University Discipline System
See section 1-301 of the Student Code for an outline of the jurisdiction of the university discipline system. The Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct of the Senate Committee on Student Discipline has the right to impose sanctions including, but not limited to dismissal, suspension, conduct probation, censure, and reprimand.
Sexual Misconduct
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://go.uillinois.edu/StatementonSexDiscrimination.
Petitions
The policies, requirements, and deadlines of the Graduate College have been put in place to uphold high academic standards. Exceptions may be justified under extenuating circumstances. Students who wish to request an exception to Graduate College policies may submit a petition providing an explanation or justification for the action requested. The more unusual or major the request, the more detailed the explanation should be from the student and the adviser and/or other appropriate members of the Graduate Faculty or staff.