Conflict Resolution

The first step toward conflict resolution is direct contact with the involved parties. For example, a dispute about a grade should be first discussed with the instructor of the course.

If direct contact was unsuccessful or was not appropriate, seek assistance through one of the channels below or fill out the online form below.

Conflict Scenarios

If you have a concern about...

Course Instruction or Academic Advising

• Try to work it out with the instructor or advisor. It is recommended to email or leave a voicemail to request a meeting. Face-to-face conversations typically work best. Instructors' office hours may be an opportunity to connect. If the concern is over a final grade for a course, refer to policy 337 for a grade appeal.
• If the issue cannot be resolved with the instructor or advisor, contact the Chair or Head of the department that oversees the course or advisor for an appointment or phone call.
• If the issue is not resolved with the Chair/Head, contact the Dean of the College that oversees the program.
• If the issue is not resolved with the Dean, complete the form at the bottom of the page to contact the Office of the Provost.

Academic Misconduct

• The Academic Honesty and Integrity web page contains links and information regarding academic conduct and student resources.

A Roommate or Housing Situation

• Contact Residence Life.

Your Degree Progress

• Contact your academic advisor or review degree information at Registration and Records.

An Academic Policy

• Contact Registration and Records.

Tuition and Fees

• For information about tuition and fees, call or visit One Stop.
• To appeal tuition and fees, review the procedures for an appeal.

Parking

• Call or email Parking and Transportation Services. Review rules and regulations, appeal citations, and update vehicle information on their Student Parking page.

Safety and Security

• If you are in imminent danger or need help immediately, dial 911.
• For non-urgent matters, contact University Police and Safety Office.
• You can also make an appointment to speak with a counselor at the Counseling Center or a staff member at the Student Health Service.

Student Employment

• For issues with employment, contact your supervisor first.
• If you are not able to resolve the issue with your supervisor:
  • For work-study students, contact Financial Aid.
  • For issues with an internship or co-op, contact the Career Center.
  • For issues with University employment, contact Human Resources and Payroll.

Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Violence (including all Title IX complaints)

• File a complaint as soon as possible with the Equity Office.
• View associated policies. 

Another Student’s Behavior

• If you have an issue with another student's behavior and are not able to resolve the conflict, you can contact the Dean of Students office and complete the Concern and Complaint Form.:
  • Review the Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Conduct (Policy 601).
  • Make an appointment to speak with someone in the Dean of Students Office.

State Authorization

• For questions regarding state authorization for distance courses, visit the One Stop page on State Authorization. If you have a student grievance, contact the Office of the Provost via the process listed below.
• State Level. If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, the complainant may contact the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Portal Agency at the North Dakota University System (NDUS).SARA Portal Agency The contact is Claire Gunwall, NDUS - Director of Academic Affairs, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 215, Bismarck, ND 58505-0230; 701-328-4140; stateauth@ndus.edu.
• Distance Learning - Home State. If a If a complaint cannot be resolved using the options outlined above, students enrolled in online courses from outside the state of North Dakota may also file a complaint within their home state.

If you have an issue or concern that is not addressed in this list, you may email the Office of the Provost with the following information:

• Your name, student ID, and NDSU email address
• A description of the issue, including who you have contacted to help resolve the issue thus far
• The resolution you are seeking

A representative from the Office of the Provost will contact you within one business day.