School of Social Work Grievance Policy

The School of Social Work endorses Illinois State University’s Complaint Resolution Process. Student-initiated complaints and school-initiated reviews are usually resolved informally, through discussions with an instructor, field supervisor or faculty liaison, or through contact with their Director of Student Services, Director of Field Education or Program Director. Complaints and reviews may also be resolved in formal processes. A student who is not satisfied by the School’s Grievance Policy processes is encouraged to contact University supports that may include:

• Office of Student Conduct and Community Responsibilities (SCCR) unit of the Dean of Students Office, at (309) 438-8621 or SCCRHelp@IllinoisState.edu, for incidents involving student conduct.
  Students may also access:
  • Support for Conflict Resolution with a peer
  • Code of Student Conduct
• Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) unit of the Division of Student Affairs, for incidents related to accommodations.
• Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) for incidents involving harassment or discrimination, and the Inclusive Community Response Team (ICRT) for incidents involving hate or bias.

School of Social Work faculty or staff may consult with SCCR staff in determining whether student conduct requires a referral for suspected violation of the Code of Student Conduct; consult with SAAS for understanding appropriate accommodations; consult with OEOA in response to suspected harassment or discrimination, or with ICRT for suspected incidents of hate or bias.

View our complete grievance policy

Student Support Committee

The Committee hears student appeals and grievances, disposition concerns, and practicum improvement plan (PIP) issues. Each committee meeting/process will be chaired by the relevant Program Coordinator/Director or by the Director of Field Education if the issue is a PIP.

Membership includes:

1. The MSW Program Coordinator/Director
2. The BSW Program Coordinator/Director
3. Director of Field Education
4. Director of BSW Student Services
5. Director of MSW Student Services
6. Director of School of Social Work

Following are processes for resolving:

1. Student-Initiated Complaint (*not harassment or discrimination – any complaint of harassment or discrimination will be referred directly to Office of Equal Opportunity and Access)
2. Student-Initiated Final Grade Complaint
3. School-Initiated Course or Practicum Review – 3 Levels
4. Academic Integrity Review
5. Academic Good Standing Review

Illinois State University employees are responsible employees, meaning employees have an obligation to report suspected sexual harassment to the ISU Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) via an incident report or direct contact. The exception to this policy is if the employee is a student’s counselor through Student Counseling Services. If the harassment or discrimination is related to a protected class, OEOA’s role is to provide support and resources. A student is not required to initiate a complaint.