Graduate and Professional Academic Grievance Procedure FAQ

UNM is committed to a fair and structured process for resolving academic and behavioral concerns involving graduate and professional students. The Graduate and Professional Student Conduct and Grievance Procedure provides clear steps for addressing these issues in alignment with the University’s values of integrity, accountability, and equity.

What types of concerns are addressed under this policy?

The procedure applies to the following issues:

  • Petitions to modify academic requirements due to extraordinary circumstances
  • Academic record disputes (e.g., retroactive withdrawal, enrollment, or disenrollment)
  • Academic disputes regarding unfair or improper evaluation of academic progress, including grade disputes, program, or degree eligibility, and claims of unfair course requirements
  • Allegations of academic dishonesty
  • Allegations of discrimination or sexual harassment
  • Allegations of student misconduct not involving discrimination or harassment

Key Considerations

  • Time Limits: Grievances must be filed within specified deadlines, so timely action is essential.
  • Documentation: Students should retain clear records of all relevant communications and supporting materials.
  • Professional Conduct: Students are expected to maintain professionalism and show respect throughout the process.
Are there concerns that fall outside the scope of this policy?

Yes. Some student concerns must be addressed under different UNM policies and procedures:

  • Educational Records: Disputes involving access to or the accuracy of a student’s educational records are governed by the UNM Student Records Policy, as outlined in The Pathfinder.
  • Student Employment: Grievances related to employment through the Student Employment Office follow the UNM Student Employee Grievance Procedure, also found in The Pathfinder.
  • Administrative Decisions Outside the Academic Process: Concerns related to non-academic decisions made by UNM personnel, where no specific procedure exists, should first be addressed directly with the office or department involved. If unresolved, students may appeal to the appropriate dean or director, and then to the relevant vice president, Provost, or Executive Vice President for Health Sciences. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of the decision.
  • Graduate Assistantships: Disputes involving graduate or professional students serving in assistantship roles must follow the grievance procedures outlined in the UNM Faculty Handbook.

Seeking Assistance

Students may seek support from their academic advisor, graduate program coordinator, UNM Ombud services or the Dean of Students office depending on the nature of the grievance.

For other types of grievances, please refer to Student Complaints and Grievances .which serves as a central resource for information and guidance on the appropriate procedures.

What is the difference between an academic grievance and appealing an academic penalty?

Appealing an academic penalty involves challenging a decision made by your course instructor, such as a grade reduction due to alleged academic dishonesty. This process is outlined in UNM Policy, D100, Dishonesty in Academic Matters, Article 2. Academic Disputes and is managed within the department offering the course. In contrast, an academic grievance typically addresses broader issues related to academic records or program requirements.

 

General Jurisdiction and Policy Application

All graduate and professional students are subject to this UNM policy. However, students in the UNM School of Law or Health Sciences Center programs must follow their respective handbooks and codes, which take precedence if there are any differences.

Petitions to Modify Academic Requirements

Start by contacting your program head or dean’s office. Law students should reach out to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and HSC students should contact their respective school or college dean.
Clearly explain your request, provide a justification, include any supporting documentation, and submit it through the appropriate channels: advisor → academic unit → school or college dean.
Yes. You may appeal to the Provost or Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, and if necessary, request discretionary review by the Board of Regents.

Academic Record Disputes

You may request retroactive withdrawal, enrollment, disenrollment, or exceptions to registration and academic record policies. Grade disputes are not covered.
Submit a typed and signed petition to the Registrar’s Office. Include your name, UNM ID, the relevant semester and course information, a clear explanation of your request, and documentation of any extenuating circumstances. /div>
Yes, but only if you provide new information that was not available during the initial review. The Committee’s decision upon reconsideration is final.

Academic Disputes

Disputes related to degree progress, program requirements, or improper or unreasonable academic treatment are covered. Admission denials and petitions denied by the Dean of Graduate Studies are not included.
Start with informal resolution by speaking with the faculty member or administrator. If unresolved, consult your department leadership or Graduate Studies, then escalate to your school or college dean.
Submit a written complaint to the dean within 10 working days of completing the informal process. Include a description of the issue, steps taken to resolve it, and your desired outcome.
The dean will review the complaint, may interview involved parties, and may hold a hearing. A written decision is typically issued within 20–30 working days.
Yes. Appeals may be submitted to the Provost or Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and, if necessary, to the UNM Board of Regents.

Academic Dishonesty

The faculty member will meet with you to discuss the allegation. They may assign academic consequences and may also refer the matter to the Dean of Students for possible disciplinary sanctions.
Yes. You may appeal faculty-imposed consequences or disciplinary sanctions through the processes outlined in Sections 3.4 and 6.8.1 of the policy.

General Questions

Yes. These include the right to notice of charges, access to evidence, the opportunity to present information, and access to an advisor.
Yes. These procedures apply if the incident occurred while the individual was enrolled and UNM retains authority to address the matter.
UNM may pursue conduct action independently of any criminal proceedings.
Reports should be directed to the Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Equal Opportunity (CEEO) at (505) 277-5251 or oeounm@unm.edu.. Anonymous and confidential reporting options are also available through campus resource centers.
Yes. Students in the School of Law and Health Sciences Center follow their respective handbooks and policies, which take precedence over the general grievance procedures. However, any reports involving discrimination, sexual harassment, or related misconduct are referred to the Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Equal Opportunity (CEEO) and follow the University’s established procedures for such cases.