UNM School of Law and HSC Academic Grievance Procedure FAQ

Policy Application and Jurisdiction

Which policies apply to Law or HSC students?

Law students must follow the UNM Law School Bulletin and Handbook of Policies. HSC students must follow their respective program’s student codes of conduct. Where these policies differ from general UNM procedures, the Law or HSC policies take precedence.

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

UNM Law School Students may seek support from UNM Law School Admissions, UNM Law Student and Career Services, UNM Law School Registrar’s office, UNM Ombud services or the Dean of Students office depending on the nature of the grievance.

Additionally, you may reference the Master of Studies of Studies in Law Program’s, Bulletin and Handbook of Policieshere.

UNM HSC Students may seek additional support by contacting the HSC College they attend

School of Medicine: Office of Medical Student Affairs

College of Nursing: Academic Advising or Reference Policies, Procedures and Guidelines of the College of Nursing here.

College of Pharmacy: Student Success, or reference College of Pharmacy Student Handbook here.

College of Population Health: Academic Success, Bachelor of Science in Population Health Handbook here.

Additionally, the UNM School of Medicine’s Learning Environment office,  UNM Ombud services or Main campus 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

Yes. Submit a petition to the Registrar’s Office detailing the request and extenuating circumstances. The Faculty Senate Admissions and Registration Committee will review the request.
Yes. Appeals may be submitted to the Provost or EVP for Health Sciences and, if needed, to the Board of Regents.

Academic Disputes (Non-Grade Related)

Disputes involving progress toward a degree or unfair academic treatment may be addressed. Admission denials and Graduate Studies petition denials are not included.
Try informal resolution with faculty and department leadership. If unresolved, escalate to your school/college dean, who may adjudicate or refer to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Yes. Appeals can be made to the Provost or EVP for Health Sciences, then to the Board of Regents.

Academic Dishonesty

The faculty member will meet with you and may assign academic penalties. The matter may also be referred to the Dean of Students for further disciplinary review.
Yes. Use the formal grievance process (Section 3.4 for academic issues; Section 6.8.2 for conduct sanctions).

Student Misconduct (Non-Discrimination)

The Dean of the Law School or the applicable HSC Dean.
Yes. Law and HSC students may appeal to the President, then to the Board of Regents.

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.
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.
UNM may pursue conduct action independently of any criminal proceedings.