Students who have questions or concerns about any aspect of academic course work or campus life are encouraged to seek clarification and prompt assistance through appropriate university channels.

Academic Coursework & Advising

Questions or concerns related to grades or academic coursework should first be addressed to the course instructor. Undergraduate grade appeals follow a defined four-step process: (1) Consultation with the instructor, (2) Appeal to the department office, (3) Appeal to the college office, and (4) Appeal to the Undergraduate Council. End-of-term appeals based solely on grade calculation errors conclude at step (2). When graduate students are unable to resolve concerns with their instructor, the concern should be advanced to the appropriate department head, and finally the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

Undergraduate students who need help understanding academic policies such as grade appeals or academic standing can contact academic coaches in the Academic Success Center for assistance. Graduate students should reach out to the Graduate School for graduate students for support regarding the best process for resolution. Concerns related to academic advising should be addressed first with your assigned academic advisor, then the director of the appropriate advising center, and finally the dean of the appropriate college.

Campus Life

All questions or concerns related to campus life or student organizations should be directed to the Division of Student Life. Staff in this office will provide information, assist in resolving a problem, or identify the appropriate channel of appeal. 

Students who are uncertain about how to initiate the process of resolving a question or concern can contact the Office of the Dean of Students (865-974-3179), the Student Success Center (865-974-6641), or the Graduate School (865-974-2475) for assistance in determining the appropriate administrative channel of appeal.