Personal & Professional Options for Conflict Resolution
Occasionally interactions between students, staff and faculty result in misunderstandings, disputes and/or differences of opinion. In the majority of instances these differences can be resolved as a result of an informal discussion between the persons involved. UCSD encourages graduate students promptly to pursue informal action first. In instances where informal resolution is unsuccessful, students have various formal avenues for complaint resolution. Graduate students are encouraged to contact the Interim Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, April Bjornsen (abjornsen@ucsd.edu), for information and assistance with the resolution of conflicts. The Graduate Student Handbook also provides information. The information below highlights some specific options.
Academic Appeals and Grievances
If a student believes that non-academic criteria have been used in determining his/her grade in a course, he/she may follow the procedures described in this Regulation.
More information about academic appeals and grievances can be found here.
Non-Academic Appeals and Grievances
A student may appeal an action or inaction of his or her department, program, individual faculty member, or UCSD administrator. Students are encouraged to contact the assistant dean for Student Affairs in the Office of Graduate Studies for assistance with the appeal process.
More information about non-academic appeals and grievances can be found here.
Office of the Ombuds
The UCSD Office of the Ombuds provides confidential, neutral, and informal dispute resolution services for the UCSD community. The office is available to assist faculty, staff, students, non-Senate academics, postdoctoral trainees, and employees of UCSD Healthcare (UCSD Medical Center and related facilities) who seek guidance with the resolution of academic or administrative issues and disputes.
Additional information is available at the Ombuds Office website.
Research Ethics
Information is available at the Research Ethics website.
How to Blow the Whistle on Suspected Improper Activities:
Any activity by UC or a UC employee that appears to violate any state or federal law or regulation (e.g., corruption, malfeasance, bribery, theft or misuse of government property, fraud, coercion, or conversion); or wastes money, or involves gross misconduct, gross incompetence, or gross inefficiency may be improper. Procedures exist to protect the identity of any individual who wishes to alert an independent body of such suspicious activities.
Additional information is available at the UC Whisteblower website.
