Northwestern State University recognizes a student’s need to express grievances during the college experience. The Dean of Students Office functions to assist students in lodging and resolving such complaints.

Students may contact the Dean of Students Office to file a written complaint and/or for assistance in filing complaints.

Northwestern State University students who wish to lodge a written complaint about an employee of the institution (faculty or staff), another student, policies and procedures, harassment, bullying, sexual harassment, equal access, or other complaints should contact the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@nsula.edu.

Ordinarily, complaints against students or student organizations follow the ‘Administration of the Student Code of Conduct’ (Article V), and complaints against employees of the University or its agents follow the ‘Student Grievance’ procedure (Appendix I). Students should seek clarification from the Dean of Students Office when filing a complaint.

Student Complaints may be categorized as follows:

• 1. Complaints about an employee (faculty or staff) of the institution or complaints against a department (its policies or procedures)
• 2. Complaints of sexual harassment against an employee
• 3. Complaints about another student or organization of a non-sexual nature (may include bullying and harassment)
• 4. Complaints against another student related to sexual misconduct (Title IX)
• 5. Complaints about equal opportunity access
• 6. All other complaints are not included above (Contact the Dean of Students at 318-357-5285).

Student Appeals

Student Appeals are not considered complaints. However, Northwestern seeks to allow students to appeal University policy and decisions when the student believes the University failed to follow policy. Students may seek assistance at any time from the Dean of Students. 

Student Appeals are categorized as follows:

Committees review all student appeals at the last level of the appeal. However, in some cases, appeals may originate and be resolved with individual employees.

The Dean of Students realizes that in certain situations, it is inappropriate for students to meet with the person against whom they wish to lodge a complaint. In such cases, the Dean’s Office may act as a liaison or assist the student in meeting with the person or that person’s supervisor. Complaints may be formal (written grievances) or informal. Whatever the circumstances, the Dean of Students will assist students in filing complaints. NSU strives to maintain the parties’ confidentiality in the grievance process. However, in cases of sexual misconduct, the institution will comply with the Department of Education guidelines and investigate reported incidences.