I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to address official non-academic student complaints at the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA). A student complaint is an objection to an alleged violation of law, or applicable University policies or procedures; and/or deprivation of applicable due process for which the University is responsible or has a responsibility to address or resolve.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all UNCA students.
III. Complaint Support and Assistance
UNC Asheville provides several means by which a student may address complaints. The Dean of Students or designee advises students on non-academic complaints and concerns. Any student with a question, concern, or complaint is encouraged to contact the Dean of Students for assistance and support. Links to the relevant academic and non-academic policies for grievance and complaints are linked below.
IV. Complaint Resolution Process
A. Submitting a Complaint
A student may file a complaint by submitting a written statement to the Dean of Students. Complaints must be filed within one academic year of the alleged incident. Students interested in submitting a complaint after one academic year should request an exception from the Dean of Students.
B. Review Process
- Within 10 business days of receiving a complaint, the Dean of Students or designee will review the written statement and meet with the student. The Dean of Students or designee may advise the student on additional information that is needed for review.
- The Dean of Students or designee will advise on the burden of proof, which requires the student submitting a complaint to establish proof of their claim by a preponderance of the evidence, or a “more likely than not” standard.
- Within 10 business days of the initial review meeting, the Dean of Students or designee will provide a written summary of the initial review meeting and next steps to the student.
C. Findings & Resolution
Upon completion of the initial review meeting, the Dean of Students or designee will review the complaint and documentation and determine the appropriate response and resolution. Findings may include:
- The complaint would be more appropriately processed by another institutional body. The Dean of Students or designee will refer the complaint to the appropriate entity. Information will be provided to the student regarding the referral and any additional complaint processes required.
- Additional information is requested in order to render a decision on the complaint.
- There is not sufficient evidence to support the claims specified in the student’s grievance or complaint. Rationale will be provided.
If there is sufficient evidence to support the students’ complaint, information regarding the resolution will be outlined by the Dean of Students or designee.
If a student is dissatisfied with the initial findings of their complaint, they may request in writing that the complaint be elevated to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for review and reconsideration.
The Dean of Students or designee will retain a written copy of each official complaint received and acted on by the institution pursuant to state regulations on document archival.
V. External Resources
Students have three additional options if they have a complaint that they believe has not been adequately addressed or resolved after exhausting the University’s complaint resolution procedures:
- Students can file a complaint with the UNC System Office. This involves reviewing the Student Complaint Policy and submission of the Student Complaint Form. For more information, email: studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu.
- In many cases students who reside legally outside of North Carolina while attending UNC Asheville can file a complaint in the state where they are residing. A list of contacts at state higher education authorization agencies is compiled and updated by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association.
- Students can also contact UNC Asheville’s regional accrediting agency, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Students are advised to consult the SACSCOC Complaints Policy Statement for information on qualifying conditions and procedures for filing an accreditation-related complaint.
VI. Associated Policies