Grievances

The University of Auckland seeks to encourage the prompt and informal resolution of all student learning and research grievances as they arise.

The University of Auckland recognises that the improper assumption of power, either personal or institutional, constitutes harassment and will be dealt with according to the proper harassment procedures.

We accept that you may not always feel able to discuss a learning and research grievance with the person directly concerned. For this reason, support is available through:

• Your class or faculty representative.
• The student advocacy network, WAVE.
• Auckland University Students' Association.

The following may give rise to a learning and research grievance:

1. Unfair or inequitable treatment by any member of University staff.
2. A violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of any academic regulation of the University that does not:
   1. Regulate misconduct (eg, the Disciplinary Statute), or
   2. Provide redress (eg, the Harassment Procedures), or
   3. Provide its own means of reviewing complaints about its operation or application.
3. Inadequate teaching or assessment as outlined in sections 6 and 7 of the Student Charter.

Once formulated, a complaint may not be expanded or enlarged in the course of the procedures for dealing with it.

• A process for the redress of student learning and research grievances must be available to students within an environment of academic freedom, the prerogative of academic staff to assign grades, and staff and student rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Student Charter.
• It is desirable that student learning and research grievances should be addressed and redressed at a level most accessible to the parties involved. It is envisaged that student grievances will be addressed in a collegial, non-adversarial manner which allows all parties to participate.
• At all times in the student learning and research grievance process, staff and students should be given clear guidelines on the options available for action, and indication of the time it is likely to take to resolve the problem, and should be kept informed about the status of the complaint.
• Both students and staff should be aware that it is in their best interests to record any meetings or communication between the two parties.

Informal procedures

• You (or your class representative) should take any concerns you have about your course delivery or assessment of your papers to the lecturer or tutor concerned.
• In matters not involving course delivery or assessment, you should take your issue to the person directly concerned.
• You may approach the Mediator's Office or WAVE (the student advocacy network) at any time for assistance.
• If these are deemed inappropriate, then you (or your class representative) could approach the Associate/Assistant Dean of the faculty with responsibility for undergraduate/postgraduate students.

Formal procedures
If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily at an informal level, you may approach the Head of Department.

• The Head of Department must provide a written response within 10 academic days from notification of the grievance.
• If grievance seems to have no reasonable ground, the Department Head shall state in writing why in his or her judgement the grievance is without merit.
• If, however, the Head of Department sees reasonable ground for your complaint, the Head shall meet with the staff member and/or with you and the staff member together in an effort to resolve your grievance.
• The Head of Department on receipt of a complaint may direct the issue back to the informal process if she/he feels that it is appropriate.

It is anticipated that the vast majority of student learning and research grievances will be resolved at this stage.

If you are dissatisfied with the response and/or redress (or lack thereof), you may then appeal the decision to the Dean (or the Dean's representative) in writing.

• The Dean must provide a written response within 10 academic days from notification of the grievance.
• If the grievance seems to have no reasonable ground, the Dean shall state in writing why in his or her judgement the grievance is without merit.
• If, however, the Dean sees reasonable ground for your complaint, the Dean shall meet with the staff member and/or with you and the staff member together in an effort to resolve your grievance.
• If you are dissatisfied with the response and/or redress (or lack thereof), and all other reasonable attempts to resolve the grievance have been attempted or exhausted, the grievance may be referred to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic). The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) or nominee will then convene the Academic Grievance Committee.

The Academic Grievance Committee shall consist of:

• Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic (or nominee) - convenor.
• One student representative.
• Two other members appointed by Senate with alternates for each member.

The quorum for each meeting should be three and must include the student member.