Faculty and staff at Washburn University are committed to student success which includes everything from efficient business processes to excellent experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Despite this campus-wide commitment, however, it is inevitable that misunderstandings or disputes may arise periodically. Such misunderstandings can typically be resolved quickly, directly and informally at Washburn.

Campus Resolution

If you want to visit with someone informally, privately and respectfully about a problem you are experiencing, you may contact the Student Life Office 785.670.2100 or studentlife@washburn.edu. This office can provide advice about the options available to you and also can assist in finding an informal way of resolving your problem.

Depending on the nature of your concern, a specialized procedure may apply.  Policies and procedures designed to assist you in obtaining resolution to the issue you are dealing with exist in many areas within Washburn University.   The Student Life Office can direct you to the campus resources that are directly responsible for assisting students with the specific challenges you are experiencing.

Academic concerns, for example, issues having to do with final grades, faculty concerns, course concerns, and academic policies are typically handled as close to the concern as possible; however, the Academic Affairs Office can assist you in determining where to begin the process of resolving your problem. Out of state students with unresolved concerns regarding online programs authorized through State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) may direct these concerns to the state portal agency. 

If you have questions regarding any academic policies and procedures, please contact the Academic Affairs Office by phone at 785.670.1648 or by email VPAA@washburn.edu for assistance.
Student life concerns, for example, student to student and/or student to faculty and staff disagreements, residence hall concerns, and student conduct and behavior issues are typically handled through the Student Life Office.  If you have questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, please contact the Student Life Office by phone 785.670.2100 or by email studentlife@washburn.edu.
Enrollment concerns, for example issues having to do with transcripts, financial aid, and registration are typically handled through the Student One Stop. If you have questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, please contact the Student One Stop by phone 785.670.2162 or by email sos@washburn.edu.
Financial issues including tuition and billing are typically handled through the Business Office. If you have questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, please contact this office by phone 785.670.1156 or by email business-office@washburn.edu .
Concerns regarding student, faculty, or staff behavior that may appear troubling, disruptive, or threatening to the campus environment are handled by the University Behavioral Assessment Team (UBAT). If you observe behavior that seems uncommon for the person displaying it or causes you to be concerned for your safety or others, report your concerns to Dr. Teresa Clounch, Associate Vice President for Student Life by phone 785.670.2100 or by email studentlife@washburn.edu.
Student disability concerns are handled through the University Diversity and Inclusion Office. If you have questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, please contact this office by phone 785.670.1629 or by email diversity.inclusion@washburn.edu.
Concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence are handled through the Equal Opportunity Director. If you have questions regarding any of these policies and procedures, visit the EEO website or contact the Director by phone 785.670.1509 or by email michelle.godinet@washburn.edu.

If you find that the misunderstanding or dispute cannot be resolved informally, you may file a formal complaint (grievance) through the appropriate Washburn University complaint process.  Information regarding how to file a formal complaint can be obtained from any of the offices mentioned above.

Outside Agency Resolution

You may also file your complaint with an agency outside Washburn University. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. You may direct complaints to the state Attorney General’s Office or the federal Office for Civil Rights. Contact information for these offices is provided below.

The Higher Learning Commission

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
(800) 621-7440
complaints@hlcommission.org

Kansas Attorney General's Office

Memorial Hall, 2nd Floor
120 SW 10th Street
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-2215

US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

Online: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/file-complaint/ocr-discrimination-complaint-form.
Mail or Facsimile: https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ocr/ocr-address-list
Email: Discrimination Complaint Form or ocr@ed.gov

GET IN TOUCH WITH the Office of Student Life

Location
Morgan Hall, Rm 240
785-670-2100
studentlife@washburn.edu

Vice President for Student Life
Dr. Eric Grospitch
eric.grospitch@washburn.edu

Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students
Dr. Teresa Clounch
teresa.clounch@washburn.edu

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