Undergraduate Academic Grievances Procedure FAQ

UNM is committed to fairness, accountability, and respectful communication in resolving student concerns. Students are encouraged to first pursue informal resolution by speaking directly with the involved individual or office. If unresolved, a formal grievance process is available, which includes submitting a written complaint and participating in a hearing. This approach ensures concerns are addressed in line with UNM’s values and policies.

Undergraduate Academic Grievances

This process addresses concerns related to a student’s academic record, including:

  • Disputes over final course grades.
  • Allegations of academic integrity violations that result in grading penalties.
  • Disagreements regarding program requirements.

These grievances allow students to seek resolution when they believe academic decisions have been made in error or applied unfairly.

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.

Seeking Assistance

If direct communication is unsuccessful, students can seek assistance from their academic advisor 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.

 

Academic Record Disputes

Undergraduate students may petition for retroactive withdrawal, enrollment, disenrollment, or other exceptions to academic record policies as outlined in the UNM Catalog. This process does not apply to grade disputes.
Submit a typed and signed petition to the Registrar’s Office. Include your name, UNM ID, course details, documentation of extenuating circumstances, and any optional statements from faculty or departments.
The petition is sent to the course instructor for comment. After 15 working days, the Faculty Senate Admissions and Registration Committee will review the petition, with or without the instructor’s response.
Yes, but only if you provide new information that was not available during the initial review. The Committee’s reconsideration decision is final.

Academic Disputes

Undergraduate students may petition for retroactive withdrawal, enrollment, disenrollment, or other exceptions to academic record policies as outlined in the UNM Catalog. This process does not apply to grade disputes.
Submit a typed and signed petition to the Registrar’s Office. Include your name, UNM ID, course details, documentation of extenuating circumstances, and any optional statements from faculty or departments.
The petition is sent to the course instructor for comment. After 15 working days, the Faculty Senate Admissions and Registration Committee will review the petition, with or without the instructor’s response.
Yes, but only if you provide new information that was not available during the initial review. The Committee’s reconsideration decision is final.

Academic Dishonesty

The faculty member will meet with you to discuss the allegation and may impose a course-related penalty. The case may also be referred to the Dean of Students Office for further review.
Yes. You may appeal through the formal grievance procedures outlined in Article 2 of UNM Policy D100.
The report will be addressed by the Dean of Students or a relevant faculty member, who may impose appropriate academic or disciplinary sanctions.
Yes. Faculty may assign academic penalties, and the Dean of Students may impose additional sanctions for violations of University 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.
The procedures still apply if the event in question occurred while you were a student and UNM retains authority over the matter.
Yes. Deans, vice presidents, and other senior officials may appoint designees to handle specific matters.
The Dean of Students Office manages misconduct cases involving non-HSC undergraduate students. Cases involving HSC students are addressed by the appropriate Health Sciences Center dean.
Reports should be made to the Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Equal Opportunity (CEEO). Anonymous and confidential reporting options are available through campus resource centers.