Student Grievance Procedures
Sam Houston State University is a student-centered, community engaged institution whose mission is to offer accessible, quality higher education. In support of providing educational and other opportunities in a climate conducive to personal and professional development, the university has developed procedures for students to pursue grievances within the university community. Different types of complaints or grievances are handled by various offices across SHSU; this site is intended to help students navigate which is the most appropriate channel to initiate and pursue eligible grievances.
Academic Grievance
For an academic grievance – please start with the faculty member involved in the grievance (must be started within 10 working days), and if the grievance cannot be resolved at that level, then contact the next higher office on the organizational chart (such as the department chair/director or dean’s office). Specific instructions are included with the form linked below.
Academic grievance examples include appeals on: course grades; unauthorized class absences/tardiness; instructor's alleged unprofessional conduct; withdrawal/suspension of privileges (profesional degree programs).
File an Academic Grievance Here
Non-Academic Grievance
For a non-academic grievance – please contact the department with the faculty or staff person involved in the grievance, and if the grievance cannot be resolved at that level, then contact the next highest level on the organizational chart.
Non-academic grievance examples may include student employment, parking citation, or a review of a decision or action made by a department.
File a Non-Academic Grievance Here
Distance Education Complaints
Texas Distance Education
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) adopted rules codified under Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 1.110 – 1.120, on October 25, 2012. The rules create a student complaint procedure to comply with the U.S. Department of Education's "Program Integrity" regulations, which require each state to have a student complaint procedure in order for public and private higher education institutions to be eligible for federal Title IV funds. The first step in addressing a complaint is to follow your institution's complaint procedures listed above. If your institution is unable to resolve the mater after you have exhausted their complaint and appeal processes, you may file a complaint with this Agency.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
1200 E. Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78752
Out-of-State Distance Education
SARA consumer protection provisions require the institution’s home state, through its SARA State Portal Entity, to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by the state’s SARA-participating institutions, including the provision of false or misleading information. A student has the right to lodge a complaint or grievance. The institution should ensure that all concerns and complaints of students are addressed fairly and are resolved promptly. Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. If your institution is unable to resolve the mater after you have exhausted their complaint and appeal processes, listed above, you may file a complaint with this Agency.
Other Resources
Office of Title IX &
Discrimination Resolution
If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual misconduct or any form of discrimination, you may report such behaviors to the Office of Title IX & Discrimination Resolution. Reports may be submitted online.
Student Legal & Mediation Services
This office provides legal advice and conflict resolution services, and if the issue involves the university, referrals to private attorneys.
Student Involvement
Filing a grievance against a student organization? There are multiple routes to file based on the type of issue. Please check with the Department of Leadership Initiatives to determine which route is correct.