Student Complaints

It is important to the University of Missouri-St. Louis that students have the best possible experience (s) on campus. If a student encounters a problem/issue or has a concern that has not been resolved through normal campus processes, the student is encouraged to contact the Office of the Provost at (314) 516-5371 or via email at acadaff@umsl.edu for assistance.

General Policy Regarding Student Complaints

The Office of the Provost provides an opportunity for students to express concerns related to interactions with faculty members, academic departments and/or administrative units on campus. The office works with students and the responding unit to resolve (if applicable) the issue or complaint. Once a complaint is filed, students will receive an email notification acknowledging that the complaint has been received. The appropriate administrator of the academic unit will determine the course (s) of action to address the concern/complaint(s).

At the conclusion of the investigation, the appropriate unit-level administrator will inform the student of the decision and/or what actions were taken (if applicable). Complaints are typically resolved within 1-2 weeks, although additional time may be required dependent upon the nature of the complaint.

The grade appeal procedure is to allow only the review of capricious grading. It is not intended as a review of the instructor's evaluation of the student's academic performance. Thus, disagreement or dissatisfaction with a faculty member's professional evaluation of coursework is not the basis for a grade appeal. Students must follow the procedures for grade appeals as outlined in the grade appeal policy. Grade appeals must be initiated within 30 days of the end of the regular semester (i.e. Winter/Fall). Documents related to grade appeals can be submitted in person and/or via email to the appropriate administrator. Students may contact the Office of the Provost at (314) 516-5371.

"The University will promptly and appropriately respond to any complaint of a violation of the University's Anti-discrimination policies." Thus, students may file a formal grievance through the Equity Resolution Process for Students or Student Organization. Procedures to address equity-based concerns are defined in Section 600.30 of the Collected Rules and Regulations.  

For additional information or to begin the process, please contact the Title IX Coordinator in Human Resources at 314) 516-5805 and/or by email at dana@umsl.edu

Additionally, students, faculty and staff may submit a report online at the Title IX website.

"Sex discrimination is prohibited by University policy and law in educational programs, activities and employment. Title IX applies to all students, employees, volunteers and visitors at the University and prohibits sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and other forms of sex discrimination as defined in Section 600.020C of the Collected Rules and Regulations."

For questions and/or concerns, please contact:


Office(s): Human Resources
HR Website
Phone: (314) 516-5805 (1-888-GO-2-UMSL)

When a complaint is forwarded to the Office of Academic Affairs, all attempts to resolve the issue both informally and/or through the formal grievance procedures are taken. Notification is sent to the student by the appropriate administrative unit acknowledging that the complaint has been received and correspondence obtained during the investigation process is housed in the responding unit. Additionally, copies of complaints forwarded to the Office of the Provost/Office of the Chancellor are kept in Academic Affairs.

Institutions of higher education who participate in the federal student aid programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, must have “a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including enforcing applicable State laws ….” 34 C.F.R.§ 600.9(a)(1). For its part, the institution must “provide students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle the student’s complaint.” Id. at § 668.43(b)."

Contact information on filing a complaint with DHEWD:
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Phone: (573) 526-1577
Email: info@dhe.mo.gov
DHEWD Website

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Complaints regarding the institution can be made to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Contact information regarding HLC's complaint procedures:
Higher Learning Commission 1-800-621-7440
Email: complaints@hlcommission.org.
HLC Website

For further assistance, please contact the Office of the Provost at (314) 516-5371 or via email at acadaff@umsl.edu.