Bemidji State University is committed to the safety and equitable treatment of all members of the university community. The student complaint process outlined below is designed to ensure all concerns and complaints of members of our student body are handled in a prompt and fair manner.
Although we hope the vast majority of our students can complete their education without feeling that they have been treated in an unjust or inequitable manner, there will be instances where student complaints are warranted and we are here to help resolve these issues.
Please use the procedures outlined below to bring your concerns to our attention.
Policies that govern the student complaint processes can be accessed on the policies page. The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is available to advise and support students through the student complaint process.
Complaints Concerning Courses Policies or Instructors
- Take your complaint directly to your instructor.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by your instructor or are uncomfortable addressing the complaint with your instructor contact the chair of the appropriate academic program.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the program chair or the complaint involves the program chair please fill out a student complaint form and your complaint will be directed to the appropriate college dean.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process contact the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process contact the Office of the President.
At any point in this process you can file an official complaint by filling out a student complaint form. You will then be contacted by the appropriate office.
Appeals of Final Course Grades
- Discuss your grade with the course instructor early in the following semester.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by your instructor, are unable to contact the instructor by email or phone, or are uncomfortable addressing the grade appeal with your instructor, contact the chair of the appropriate academic program.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the program chair, you may file a written grade challenge before the end of the following semester. Submit a detailed statement of the reasons for the challenge and any supporting documentation to the dean of the appropriate college (see colleges and academic programs) and the University Registrar. A Grade Challenge Review Board will make a recommendation to the provost on your challenge normally within two weeks after receipt of the challenge. The provost’s decision is final and binding on all parties.
Complaints About Acts of Discrimination or Harassment
These should be directed to the Investigation Office for Civil Rights by phone (218) 755-4121, email (titleix@bemidjistate.edu), or by submitting this form.
A meeting will be scheduled with the Title IX Officer to discuss the situation and next steps. See the Center for Civil Rights: Investigations page for more information.
Complaints About Acts of Sexual Violence
- In an emergency, contact 911 or Public Safety (218) 755-3888.
- To report a non-emergency sexual violence incident, contact the Investigation Office for Civil Rights by phone (218) 755-4121 or email (titleix@bemidjistate.edu) or visit Reporting a Sexual Violence Incident.
Complaints About Bemidji State University Employees or Offices That do not Involve Courses, Instructors or Acts of Discrimination or Harassment
- Take your complaint directly to the employee/office involved.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the employee/office involved or are uncomfortable addressing the complaint with them contact the employee’s immediate supervisor or office supervisor.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the employee’s immediate supervisor or office supervisor, fill out a student complaint form and your complaint will be directed to the appropriate university vice president.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process, contact the Office of the President.
At any point in this process you can file an official complaint by filling out a student complaint form. You will then be contacted by the appropriate office.
Complaints about the Behavior(s) of Another Students
- If the behavior is criminal in nature or is an immediate threat, please call 911 or BSU Public Safety (218) 755-3888.
- For student behavior that is not an emergency, please fill out a student complaint form and contact the Vice President of Student Life and Success at (218) 755-2075.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process, contact the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process contact the Office of the President.
- At any point in this process, you can file an official complaint by filling out a student complaint form. You will then be contacted by the appropriate office.