Student Concerns

Title IX, Washington State law, and University of Washington policy prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) identity. You can find more information about reporting on the University of Washington’s Title IX website.

Students who need to report a concern about sexual harassment or discrimination have multiple reporting options.

To anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others, students can contact SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm excluding UW holidays.  

They will listen to your concerns and provide individualized care, support and safety plans tailored to your situation. Their caring, trained professionals will talk you through your options and connect you with additional resources when requested.

Students who are aware of, or victims of, misconduct on the part of other students—either behavior misconduct or academic misconduct (plagiarism and cheating)—should contact the Office of Student Conduct. Such misconduct will be investigated according to procedures established in the UW Student Conduct Code. Student Life (formerly known as Student Engagement) has an online tool to make reporting alleged incidents of student misconduct easier for faculty, staff, and students.

Bias incidents are acts or behaviors motivated by the offender's bias against any combination but not limited to identities such as age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

While these acts do not necessarily rise to the level of a crime, a violation of state law, University policy, or the Student Code of Conduct, a bias act may contribute to creating an unsafe, negative, or unwelcome environment for the victim; anyone who shares the same social identity as the victim; and/or, community members of the University.

The UW Tacoma's Bias Incident Reporting Website is a resource for anyone who needs to report an incident of bias or wants to explore and better understand issues like bias and discrimination, and how to effectively respond.

Students should follow these steps to appeal a grade for a SET class:

1. A student who believes that the instructor erred in the assignment of a grade, or who believe a grade recording error or omission has occurred, shall first discuss the matter with the instructor before the end of the following academic quarter (not including summer quarter).

2. Students who are not satisfied with the instructor's response may submit, no later than ten class days after their discussion with the instructor,* a written appeal to the Dean (or their designee) with a copy of the appeal to the instructor.

* This time may be extended by the Dean in exceptional circumstances, such as the situation in which the student did not learn of the appeals process deadlines in time.

3. Within ten calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Dean shall consult with the instructor to determine whether the evaluation of the student's performance was fair and reasonable or whether the instructor's conduct in assigning the grade was arbitrary or capricious. 

4. Should the dean or director believe the instructor's conduct to be arbitrary or capricious and the instructor declines to revise the grade, the dean or director, with the approval of the voting members of their faculty, shall appoint an appropriate member, or members, of the faculty of that department to evaluate the performance of the student and assign a grade. The Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Provost will be informed of this action.

NOTE:  Once a student submits a written appeal, this document and all subsequent actions on this appeal shall be recorded in written form for deposit in a department (or college) file.

Additional information on grade appeals can be found in UW Student Governance and Policies under Change of Grade - Written Appeal of Grade Error.

Students should follow these steps with regard to concerns about a SET classroom experience:

All conversations and records relating to concerns or grievances will be treated as confidential.

1. Students are encouraged, wherever possible, to resolve concerns or difficulties informally and directly, either in person or in written communication with their instructor. This communication should specify the nature of the concern, relevant information and dates and, if possible, include documentation.

2. If the concern is not resolved through communication with the instructor, the student may request a consultation with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Inclusion no later than ten class days after their discussion with the instructor.  This communication should include a copy of the appeal to the instructor.

3. The Associate Dean will meet with the student and may facilitate a conversation between the student and the instructor (or, in some cases, the Program Chair) to seek clarity and, if possible, resolve the concern.

Should a student’s complaint not be resolved, there are relevant formal complaint processes through which a student may seek redress: Written Grade Appeal, Bias Incident Report, Sexual Harassment or Discrimination, Student Conduct Office, etc.