The Department of Social Work takes student complaints and grievances very seriously and encourages students to pursue any concerns they might have related to their academic experience. A description of Student Rights can be found beginning on page 5 in the WVSU Student Handbook (The Buzz) HERE.
The following avenues for addressing student grievances are available to students:
Final Grade Appeal
A student who believes that the final grade as posted for a particular class does not accurately reflect the student’s performance, as determined by the grading procedure outlined on the class syllabus, he/she may wish to appeal the final grade. The grade appeal procedures are located on page 46 of our University Catalog HERE.
The form can be found HERE.
Student Complaints
Student can find procedures for addressing student complaints through the WVSU Student Handbook (The Buzz, located HERE as follows:
Harassment/Discrimination Complaint Procedures, Page 30
Student Disability Accommodation Request Complaint Procedures, Page 33
Affirmative Action Student Complaint Procedure, Page 42
Students may also submit general complaints not covered by the above using the Student Complaint Form HERE. The process of submission is outline HERE.
Title IX Sexual Harassment
Any student who has a complaint against a WVSU faculty or staff member for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, or sexual assault should contact:
Carolyn L. Stuart, Ph.D.
Title IX Coordinator, EEO Compliance Officer
(304) 204-4018
carolyn.stuart@wvstateu.edu
Additional information on West Virginia State University’s Title IX program, preventions, and supports is found HERE.
Termination from the Social Work Program Appeal Process
Although rare, a student may be terminated from the Social Work Program when academic performance, field instruction ratings, and/or ethical conduct fail to meet acceptable program standards. The decision to terminate a student from the Social Work Program is made by a consensus of the social work faculty. The student is notified in writing by the Program Chair. A student who disagrees with the decision can follow the following steps:
- Within 14 days of receipt of the decision, the student may notify the Program Chair in writing of the wish to appeal.
- The Program Chair will arrange an interview with the student. If the issue cannot be resolved during this interview, the student may take the next step.
- The student may appeal in writing to the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, who may hear the case or refer the appeal to the WVSU Academic Appeals Committee.
- The Academic Appeals Committee will notify the student of the Committee’s decision regarding admission to the Social Work Program after a formal hearing with the student.
- 5. If a satisfactory resolution to the issue is not reached through this stage, the student may appeal in writing to the President.
- The President’s decision is final.