Conflict Resolution and Grievances

The SPHHS promotes a healthy and respectful work and learning environment. Occasionally, issues arise that may require assistance to resolve. We would like to let you know how and where you can seek guidance.

Department Support

The most common issues that students encounter can be resolved informally at the department level. If it is an issue in the classroom, students are encouraged to start by discussing the issue with their instructor to see if it can be resolved informally. If not, or if a conversation with an instructor is not possible, students are encouraged to initiate a conversation with the Graduate Program Director, Department Chair, or Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs.

If the individual you contact cannot or does not know how to resolve your issue, they may consult with other members of the department or staff. You may also be referred to the following offices for help resolving grievances:

The Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office is a confidential and neutral place for UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff to talk confidentially about any campus concern, issue, or conflict. Students concerned about an academic issue are encouraged to contact the Ombuds Office for assistance in determining if the situation is an academic grievance and to further understand the conflict resolution process. The Ombuds Office can help students and instructors weigh their options, understand relevant policies and available resources, and receive referrals for more formal measures when circumstances warrant. The Ombuds Office can also provide informal mediation services.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (EO&D)

The EO&D Office is a resource for discrimination, sexual harassment, and equal opportunity complaints. This office has responsibility for the sexual harassment grievance procedure, which is a separate and distinct process. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and therefore a violation of federal and state laws and University regulations.

Academic Honesty and Grievance Office

The Academic Honesty and Grievance Office is the process manager for academic grievances. The office is responsible for ensuring that only those matters properly defined as academic grievances are pursued through this procedure, for advising all concerned parties of their rights and obligations under this procedure, for convening hearing panels, and for scheduling hearings.

Graduate School Academic Grievance Procedure

The Graduate School Grievance procedure exists to deal with complaints by current or former graduate students against the University, one of its administrative or academic units, or one of its faculty or staff concerning “Very Serious Academic Matters.”

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