For Idaho State University students who encounter challenges or concerns in achieving success, the Office of the Dean of Students is here to provide support, care, and access to resources. We work with campus partners to support you in your goal of being a successful scholar and citizen. 

Academic Complaints/Grievances

Students with academic complaints/grievances should first meet with the instructor responsible for the policy, procedure or decision that resulted in the student’s initial complaint/grievance. If the student is still dissatisfied after that meeting, the student should next meet with the instructor’s department head and then with the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

If the complaint/grievance involves an academic policy, the student should first meet with the official responsible for the policy, procedure, implementation or decision. If the student is still dissatisfied after that meeting, the student should next meet with the official’s supervisor.

If, after that meeting, the student is still dissatisfied, the student may appeal the decision, in writing, to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management who shall have ten (10) business days to investigate and render a decision on the student’s complaint/grievance.

The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs may elect to meet with the student or may decide the merits of the case based upon the written appeal. This is the final appeal at the University level.

Non-Academic Complaints/Grievances

Students with non-academic complaints/grievances should first meet with the University official responsible for the policy, procedure or decision that resulted in the student’s initial complaint/grievance. If the student is still dissatisfied after that meeting, the student should next meet with the University official’s supervisor.

If, after that meeting, the student is still dissatisfied, the student may appeal the decision, in writing, to the Vice President for Student Affairs who shall have ten (10) business days to investigate and render a decision on the student’s complaint/grievance. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management may elect to meet with the student or may decide the merits of the case based upon the written appeal. This is the final appeal at the University level.

Students seeking advocacy or guidance on this process may consult with the Office of the Dean of Students at (208) 282-2794.

To file a formal complaint of harassment or discrimination based on a protected class please contact the ISU Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Additional Services

We also assist with Student Absence Notifications upon request. We can notify your instructors of your absence due to extenuating circumstances. These notices do not explain your absence or excuse you from completing any work missed in class. We encourage you to contact your instructors as soon as you are able to discuss meeting your academic obligations.

Our office also completes Student Background Checks for your potential employer, grad school or other entities requesting your student conduct record, with your signed release of information.