Issuing A Complaint: Understanding Uic Student Disciplinary Procedures

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has outlined procedures for filing a complaint against a UIC student. UIC is committed to providing a respectful, quality educational experience for all students, free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. UIC complies with the U.S. Department of Education regulation, which requires institutions of higher education to provide information for filing complaints. Students, employees, or faculty members may submit a complaint or report of alleged discrimination or harassment in several ways, including calling the University's confidential reporting line, Ethics Line, or contacting the resources listed on the University's Office for Access and Equity website.

UIC's commitment to providing a quality educational experience

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is committed to providing a quality educational experience for all students. UIC complies with the U.S. Department of Education regulation, which requires institutions of higher education to provide students with the information necessary for filing a complaint.

UIC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable culture, promoting student success, and providing high-quality, innovative teaching. UIC's commitment to inclusiveness involves respecting individuals and facilitating equity-minded, student-centred outcomes. UIC's dedication to student success involves supporting students' identities and strengths, addressing their individual needs, and promoting greater collaboration between academic and support services. UIC's commitment to high-quality, innovative teaching involves promoting evidence-based practice, research-based decision-making, and recognition of scholarly teaching.

UIC's focus on quality educational experiences is also reflected in its commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives. The university has been designated as a Tree Campus USA every year since 2011 and became the first Bee Campus USA in Illinois in 2017. UIC integrates sustainability into its everyday operations through its commitment to LEED-certified buildings, recycling, active transportation, and public transit.

UIC also prioritises the safety and well-being of its students by maintaining a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for them to learn, live, and grow. The university encourages students to pursue hands-on learning and wide-ranging career development opportunities, including internships, to enhance their educational experience.

Furthermore, UIC is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can fully access programs, services, and activities on campus. Students with complaints or concerns about accessibility issues can submit an Online Report of UIC Accessibility Issues on the UIC Disability Resources website.

UIC's non-tolerance of discrimination, sexual harassment, and other sexual misconduct

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is committed to providing a quality educational experience for all students and preserving an educational and work environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other sexual misconduct. UIC prohibits and will not tolerate sexual misconduct by or against students, employees, patients, or visitors.

Sexual misconduct, as defined by UIC, includes sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and other forms of sexual violence, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, sexual coercion, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Prohibited behaviors can be in the form of words or conduct. Examples of prohibited verbal behaviors include, but are not limited to, unwelcome sexual innuendos, gender stereotyping, sexual propositions, and comments, insults, threats, and jokes about gender-specific traits, including when communicated through electronic media.

UIC encourages good-faith reports of sexual misconduct and prohibits retaliation against any person who reports or participates in an investigation. All employees are responsible for reporting sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator, except for professional or pastoral counselors, campus advocates, and employees otherwise prohibited by law from disclosing information received in the course of providing professional care and treatment.

Any student, employee, or faculty member may submit a complaint or report of alleged discrimination or harassment in several ways: by calling the Ethics Line, the University's confidential reporting line, at (866) 758-2146; contacting one of the resources listed on the University’s Office for Access and Equity website; completing the online Discrimination/Bias Incident Reporting Form; or contacting the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, any dean, or faculty member.

Additionally, the Student Conduct Process within the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) is available to any student, university employee, or community member with a complaint about a UIC student. They can file a student misconduct incident report or an academic integrity incident report form regarding possible violations of the University Standards of Conduct, which is included in the Student Disciplinary Policy.

UIC's complaint process for students, employees, and faculty

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is committed to providing a respectful and quality educational experience for all its students. UIC has a detailed complaint process for students, employees, and faculty, which is outlined below.

Students

Students are encouraged to first contact their professors to seek advice and attempt to resolve any academic concerns. If the issue cannot be resolved with the professor, students should send a written complaint to the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. This can be done via email or a typed letter. Examples of complaints addressed by this process include grade disputes, academic standing issues, and disputes with professors.

If a complaint cannot be resolved within the college, or if the student prefers to speak to someone outside of the college, they can access services within the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS). The Student Assistance area can help students navigate their academic options and make informed decisions. The Student Conduct Process within the DOS is available to any student with a complaint about a UIC student. They can file a student misconduct incident report or academic integrity incident report form regarding possible violations of the University Standards of Conduct.

Students with complaints about accessibility issues on campus can submit an Online Report of UIC Accessibility Issues on the UIC Disability Resources website.

Employees and Faculty

Any employee or faculty member who believes they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination, bias, or harassment of any kind can submit a complaint or report by calling the Ethics Line, the university's confidential reporting line, at (866) 758-2146. They can also complete the online Discrimination/Bias Incident Reporting Form or contact the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, or any dean or faculty member.

The Office for Access and Equity (OAE) is responsible for reviewing and addressing complaints of harassment and/or discrimination, including sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment.

General Complaints

Any student, faculty, staff, or member of the public may submit a complaint about the institution to UIC's institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC complaint process reviews matters pertaining to the institution as a whole and their ability to meet the Criteria for Accreditation.

UIC Law-specific complaints that directly implicate the school's compliance with the ABA's Accreditation Standards can be filed using the Student Complaints – Compliance with ABA Accreditation Standards Form.

UIC's external complaint process for unresolved issues

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is committed to providing a respectful and quality educational experience for all its students. UIC has a detailed complaint process for students, faculty, staff, and members of the public to address any issues or concerns they may have.

If a student is unable to resolve an issue or complaint with their professor, they are encouraged to send a written complaint to the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. This can be done via email or a typed letter. The complaint should clearly identify the parties involved and state the relevant facts, including the date and place. Examples of complaints addressed through this process include grade disputes, academic standing issues, and disputes with professors.

If a complaint cannot be resolved within the college or if the student prefers to speak to someone outside of the college, they can seek assistance from the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS). The DOS provides support for various academic concerns and can help students navigate their academic options and make informed decisions. The Student Conduct Process within the DOS allows any student, employee, or community member to file a student misconduct incident report or an academic integrity incident report form regarding possible violations of the University Standards of Conduct.

For complaints related to discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, UIC has established several avenues for reporting. Individuals can call the Ethics Line, a confidential reporting line, contact the resources listed on the University's Office for Access and Equity (OAE) website, complete the online Discrimination/Bias Incident Reporting Form, or reach out to the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, or any dean or faculty member. UIC is committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and providing an educational and work environment free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct.

In addition, students, faculty, staff, and members of the public can submit complaints about the institution to UIC's institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC complaint process focuses on matters pertaining to the institution as a whole and their ability to meet the Criteria for Accreditation. It is important to note that the HLC does not intervene in individual matters or review the outcomes of institutional grievance processes.

UIC also complies with the U.S. Department of Education regulation, providing students with information for filing complaints and contact details for relevant accrediting and licensing entities. This information is readily available to enrolled and prospective students.

UIC's Law School's accreditation and compliance with ABA standards

The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, or UIC Law, is accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (ABA). The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is the accrediting body for the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

As an accredited institution, UIC Law is required to comply with the ABA's Accreditation Standards. These standards are in place to ensure that law schools provide a high-quality legal education that prepares students for the bar exam and future practice. They cover various aspects of the law school's operations, including faculty qualifications, curriculum, library resources, and student services.

The ABA's Accreditation Standards are publicly available, and students are encouraged to review them. If a student believes that the law school is not meeting a specific standard, they can file a complaint using the "Student Complaints – Compliance with ABA Accreditation Standards Form." This form requires students to identify the specific ABA Accreditation Standard at issue.

UIC Law's commitment to maintaining its accreditation and complying with the ABA's standards is demonstrated through its encouragement of reporting. The school has established procedures to address complaints and ensure that students have access to the necessary resources. Students can seek guidance from the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS), which assists with various academic concerns and provides support in navigating academic options and making informed decisions.

Additionally, UIC Law's Student Complaint Policy emphasizes the unacceptability of retaliation. Any form of retaliation against individuals who make or participate in an investigation is subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, employee termination, or student dismissal. This policy ensures a safe environment for reporting and promotes accountability within the UIC community.

Frequently asked questions