Grievance Protocol, the Role of the Graduate School in Grievance Resolution, and Relevant Graduate School Policies
Occasionally, problems arise between a graduate student and other member of the University community (e.g., advisor, committee member, or even another student) outside the classroom. Whenever possible, disagreements should be dealt with in the department or program by consulting the unit leader or program chair. In some programs, a formal grievance process is established and a special committee may be available for adjudicating problems involving graduate students. The majority of problems are thus resolved through discussion at the department or program level. However, if the problem can not be so resolved, it is recommended that the student meet with the associate dean of the college to discuss the problem. If resolution remains elusive, the student is encouraged to contact the assistant dean of the Graduate School to discuss possible remaining options. For problems that cannot be resolved through any other channel, and which constitute a compelling and serious issue, a student may file an Appendix II written grievance with the dean of his/her college. In response to this grievance, the college dean convenes a hearing committee to resolve the disagreement. The hearing committee submits its findings and recommendations in writing to the college dean. Any decision by a hearing committee may be appealed by any party to the dean of the college. Additional details regarding the steps in this grievance protocol are in the on-line Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin, Appendix II (Resolution of Problems) http://www.gradsch.psu.edu/policies/student/appendix2.html
Graduate students should also be aware of additional policies in the on-line Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin: Appendix I (Codes of Conduct), Appendix III (Procedures for Termination of the Degree Program of a Graduate Student for Unsatisfactory Scholarship), and Appendix IV (Termination of Assistantships Due to Inadequate Performance). Other relevant policies noted on the Graduate School web site http://www.gradsch.psu.edu/policies/student.html include Grade Mediation and Adjudication, RA10 Handling Inquiries/Investigations into Questions of Ethics in Research and Other Scholarly Activities, RA13 Co-Authorship of Scholarly Reports, Papers, and Publications, and 49-20 Academic Integrity.
Graduate Students are particularly cautioned to seek approval from the Office of Research Protection http://www.research.psu.edu/orp/index.html if their research involves human or animal subjects, or will require the use of radioisotopes or biohazardous material. Failure to receive the correct authorization prior to beginning the research could jeopardize your dissertation. Retroactive approvals are not permissible.