Academic Policies

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, the Student Code requires undergraduate students to earn at least 45 semester hours of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign credit, of which at least 21 hours must be 300-400 level courses. To graduate from the College of ACES an undergraduate student must be enrolled and actively registered in a major program housed in the College of ACES for a minimum of two semesters, excluding summer terms.

In accordance with the Student Code, students must make satisfactory progress toward degree completion, as determined by their college. The College of ACES requires students to complete at least three credit hours each semester that apply directly to degree requirements, including core or concentration coursework. Students who do not meet this requirement may be placed on academic warning or required to explore alternative academic programs.

The following procedures describe how undergraduate students may file a grievance and outline the process for reviewing and resolving grievances. Because the campus maintains separate procedures for allegations involving capricious grading, academic integrity violations, and discrimination (see the Student Code), the procedures below apply only to grievances related to teaching, advising, and administrative matters. 

For information regarding Academic Integrity Violations, please refer to the applicable procedures in the Student Code. For concerns related to capricious grading, please consult the corresponding Student Code provisions

Grievance Procedures (Excluding Academic Integrity Matters)

1. Informal Resolution
   Students are expected to first seek an informal resolution with the faculty or staff member directly involved. If reasonable efforts do not result in a satisfactory outcome, the student may consult the individual's immediate supervisor to attempt further resolution.
    
2. Filing a Formal Grievance
   If the matter remains unresolved, the student may submit a formal grievance to the supervisor or Department Head of the faculty or staff member involved. The grievance must be submitted in writing and should include:
   • A detailed description of the issue and relevant background information; and
   • The specific remedy or resolution being sought.

The Department Head will request a written response from the faculty or staff member involved. The response should be submitted within 10 calendar days of the request.

3. Committee Review
   Upon receipt of the written grievance, the Department Head will refer the matter to the chair of the unit's Grievance Committee for review. Committee members must not have a conflict of interest, including direct involvement in the grievance, prior grievance disputes with the student, or a close advising or mentoring relationship with the student.

   The committee may interview the student, the faculty or staff member, and other relevant parties in an effort to reach an informal resolution. If resolution is not achieved, the committee will prepare written findings and recommendations for the Department Head.

4. Hearing
   If a hearing is necessary, the Grievance Committee Chair will convene the committee as soon as practicable and no later than 30 days after receipt of the grievance.
   
    
   • Hearing Procedures
     The hearing will be conducted according to the following guidelines:
     • The student bears responsibility for demonstrating the validity of the grievance and the appropriateness of the requested remedy.
     • Both the student and the faculty or staff member may be accompanied by an advisor of their choice. Advisors may provide support but may not speak on behalf of either party.
     • Hearings are closed to the public unless both parties agree otherwise.
     • The Chair will maintain a record of the hearing, including: 
     • The names of all individuals present;
     • Copies of records, testimony, and other evidence presented; and
     • The committee's final decision and supporting rationale.
     • All parties will have a reasonable opportunity to present information, respond to evidence, and address the claims of the other party.
     • No testimony will be heard and no final action may be taken unless all voting members of the committee are present.
     • Committee decisions require the approval of at least two voting members.
     • The committee's decision shall include: 
     • A determination regarding the validity of the grievance; and
     • If the grievance is upheld, a recommendation for an appropriate remedy. 
   •   Departmental Decision
     • The Grievance Committee's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Department Head. The Department Head may affirm, modify, reverse, or return the matter to the committee for further consideration. The Department Head may also request additional information from the parties before making a decision.
     • The Department Head's decision constitutes the final action at the departmental level. Students seeking further review may pursue the matter through the College of ACES. The same process applies at the college level, with the Dean or the Dean's designee issuing the final college-level decision.