Appeals and Grievance Process

Students who have concerns about accommodation decisions and/or treatment they have experienced should first discuss those concerns with a representative of the Academic Resource Center and the relevant academic or administrative office (i.e. Dean’s Office, University Facilities, Office of Student Affairs, etc.). Students who are not able to resolve their concerns through informal conversations with these parties may pursue a formal appeal through one of the following processes, depending upon the nature of the student’s concern.

Appeals

A student who disagrees with or seeks clarification of any accommodation-related decision of the Academic Resource Center may appeal that decision, in writing, to the Director of the Academic Resource Center. In the event the original decision being appealed was made by the Director of the Academic Resource Center, the decision may instead be appealed to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

The written appeal should state in detail the basis for the appeal and include all relevant documentation in support of the appeal. The relevant administrator from the Academic Resource Center will also provide any documentation or other information pertinent to the disputed decision. The student will also receive the documentation assembled by the Academic Resource Center administrator for review. If the student is unable to provide a statement in writing due to his/her disability, the student should schedule a meeting with the administrator hearing the appeal by telephone or in person to request an accommodation to submit the appeal orally or in another agreed upon format.

The Director or the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students will review the appeal and supporting documentation, meet with the student, and may review any additional information deemed relevant to the appeal. The Director or the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students. will then render a written decision to the student as soon as possible, preferably within ten business days of receiving the written appeal. This decision regarding accommodation is final.

Academic (e.g. Grade-Related) Appeals

Undergraduate Students

If the concern involves an appeal of a grade, academic suspension, or academic dismissal from the University, undergraduate students should pursue a grievance through the specific processes established to address these issues:

• Undergraduate Bulletin: Studying, Grades, Credits
• Undergraduate Bulletin: Academic Standards.

If the concern involves other academic areas, such as course requirements or class participation, undergraduate students may pursue a complaint through the process outlined in Section IX of the Undergraduate Bulletin, Anti-Discrimination Procedures.

Graduate Students

Students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may pursue a complaint through the process outlined in Section IX of the Graduate Bulletin, Non-Discrimination Policy.

School of Continuing Studies

Students in the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) should refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures.

Medical Students

Students in the Medical School may pursue a complaint through the process outlined through the Committee on Student Appeals as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Law Center

Law students may pursue a complaint through the process outlined on the Office of Disability Support Services.

Grievance Process

While students are encouraged to resolve any disagreements as to appropriate accommodations either through informal communication with the Academic Resource Center or through the appeals process provided above, they are also welcome to bring grievances to Georgetown University’s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (“IDEAA”). IDEAA reviews alleged violations of the University’s Non-Discrimination in Education Policy, including allegations of unlawful discrimination on the basis of disability.

The University encourages any victim of unlawful discrimination and harassment to report the incident and seek redress through IDEAA’s Grievance Procedures. A student need not have exhausted the University’s appeals process to report concerns to IDEAA. More information about IDEAA’s grievance process can be found at: http://ideaa.georgetown.edu/

The following person has been designated to coordinate Georgetown University’s compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

Olabisi “Bisi” Ladeji Okubadejo
Associate Vice President for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Compliance
Phone: (202) 687-4798
Email: olabisi.okubadejo@georgetown.edu

(Updated January 2022)