Situations sometimes arise in which students feel that they have been dealt with unfairly, that particular circumstances surrounding a policy decision requires special consideration, or that they have a complaint about the behavior/performance of a faculty or staff member. As a general rule, students should address their concern about a policy decision directly with the office responsible for administering the policy. If students believe that any member of the Emerson community has violated the College’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation, or the College’s Power-based Interpersonal Violence Policy, they should report their concerns to the Title IX coordinator. Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve other types of complaints directly with the person about whom they have a complaint. However, if they are not comfortable addressing a concern directly with the person about whom they have a complaint, or in the event that students believe that a satisfactory resolution has not been reached after communicating directly with the person about whom they have a complaint, they may bring their concern to the next immediate level of authority.

An unresolved complaint about the behavior/performance of a faculty member may be brought to the chair of the academic department in which the faculty member teaches. For more information, see the Academic Grievance Policy.

An unresolved complaint about the behavior/performance of a staff member may be brought to the attention of the person’s immediate supervisor.

Academic advisors and the Office of the Dean of Students will assist students who have complaints or grievances against any member of the College community and need help in determining the procedures to be followed.