General

If a student has an issue or concern, the student should contact the appropriate office to seek additional information.

• An overview of reporting incidents, including anonymous reporting, can be found on the Reporting website.
• For academic grievances, consult the Academic Grievance Procedures in the Catalog.    (Academic grievances are generally defined as those involving procedures, policies, and grades in a course.)
• For Title IX and institutional equity concerns (e.g. sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination), contact the Title IX office.
• For other issues or concerns involving other students, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
• For a concern involving a faculty or staff member that is not an academic grievance, Title IX or institutional equity concern, see the procedures below.
• For general questions and guidance, contact the Dean of Students office or the Student Ombuds.
  • Among other responsibilities, the Dean of Students office serves as an information resource for students and campus colleagues.
  • The Student Ombuds strives to promote fairness and foster a positive campus environment by assisting students with conflict resolution and problem-solving related to their university working, learning, or living experiences.

Non-Academic Concerns    

The following procedures are for raising a concern involving a faculty or staff member that is not an academic grievance and is not under the purview of the Title IX office. Non-academic concerns may include allegations of inappropriate behavior.

After experiencing or learning of the incident or concern, the student should first contact the supervisor of the faculty or staff member.  For a faculty member, this is the unit head/department chair of the relevant academic department.  For a staff member, this may be a director, associate director, or similar role. If unsure of who to contact, the student can contact the Dean of Students office or the Student Ombuds office for assistance.

Communication with the supervisor can occur via e-mail, phone, Zoom, an in-person meeting, or some combination.  The supervisor is expected to respond within five working days.  The supervisor will seek to understand the nature of the concern, collect any relevant documentation, and determine whether it can be resolved informally or should be referred to a different office.  Based on the facts of the matter, the supervisor may decide to speak with the faculty or staff member about whom the student is raising the concern, and if warranted, pursue appropriate administrative action.

If student wishes to pursue further resolution of the matter, they may appeal to the appropriate appointing officer.  If it is unclear who the appointing officer is, the student can contact the Dean of Students Office or the Student Ombuds for assistance.  If the supervisor is the appointing officer, then the student may appeal to the appropriate executive officer, usually a Vice President/Provost.    

A response to the student is expected within ten working days of receipt of the appeal.  The appointing officer (or executive officer) may communicate with the student about the appeal and will determine a final resolution.  There are no further appeals in this process.

Submit an Incident Report for One of the Reasons Below 

• Academic Misconduct - To report a violation of the academic misconduct policy.  
  • Descriptions of GVSU's academic misconduct polices and more information about the student conduct process and resolution procedures can be found within GVSU's Student Code: The Anchor of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
  • A comprehensive list of all University policies can be accessed at any time. 
  • If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, at (616) 331-3585 or [email protected].
• Hazing - To report an individual or a University Affiliated Organization for the violation of GVSU's Hazing Policy.
  • The description of GVSU's Hazing policy and more information about the student conduct process and resolution procedures can be found within the Anchor. 
  • A list of examples of hazing is provided by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. 
  • If you have any questions please, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, at (616) 331-3585 or [email protected].
• Student Misconduct - To report a violation of a University or Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities policy.
  • Descriptions of all Student Code: The Anchor of Student Rights and Responsibilities polices and more information about the student conduct process and resolution procedures can be found within the Anchor. 
  • A comprehensive list of all University policies can be accessed at any time.
  • If you have any questions please, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, at (616) 331-3585 or [email protected].
• Student Organization Misconduct - To report a Registered Student Organization for the violation of University or Student Code policy.
  • Descriptions of all Student Code: The Anchor of Student Rights and Responsibilities polices and more information about the student conduct process and resolution procedures can be found within the Anchor. 
  • A comprehensive list of all University policies can be accessed at any time.
  • If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, at (616) 331-3585 or [email protected].

Submit a Title IX Report

• Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, Discrimination, and/or Retaliation - To file a report of sex-based discrimination. 
  • GVSU’s Policy Prohibiting Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation, and Sexual Misconduct (including Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking, & Sexual Exploitation) and procedures for responding to allegations under the policy are implemented by the Title IX Coordinator and Director, Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity.
  • For information about options and resources, supportive measures, and university resolution, please contact the Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity by phone at (616) 331-9530 or by email at [email protected].  

Submit a Campus Climate Incident Report 

• The University defines a “campus climate incident” as any instance where someone feels belittled, disrespected, or isolated based on their identity.
  • Furthermore, the incident does not have to be a crime under any federal, state, or local laws.

Submit a CARE Report

• Care Report - To refer a student who may be struggling with academic, personal, or emotional difficulties or who may exhibit concerning behavior.  
  • If you have any further questions, please contact Emily First, Student Support Manager, at (616) 331-3585 or at [email protected].