Student Complaint Resolution Procedures
Old Dominion University is dedicated to creating a positive and prolific learning environment for all students to achieve their academic goals. Because Old Dominion University is committed to its students and the implementation of academic policies and procedures in a consistent and nondiscriminatory manner, the University would like to know about student complaints and concerns.
The procedures for complaints are the same for all students including distant learning students. Students may voice their concerns in either a formal or informal manner. Students can follow the appropriate links below to find full details of University policies, procedures, resources, and complaint options.
Please keep in mind that it is important to be honest when filing a complaint. Providing false information may constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Procedures and Policies
Old Dominion University is committed to providing a friendly environment free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, fear, and coercion to its students, faculty, and staff. The University recognizes the responsibility to establish procedures for addressing student complaints about faculty conduct that is not protected by academic freedom and not addressed in other procedures. Students can take these steps to file a formal complaint.
The purpose of the grade appeal procedure is to serve the needs of graduate and undergraduate students who believe that they were unjustly awarded a grade by a faculty member through prejudice or caprice. The basis for a grade appeal is the student's charge that the grade was awarded through prejudice or caprice. The burden of proof rests with the student. Students must initiate the appeal within the same time limitations that exist for removing a grade of "I" from a record. The policy applies to final grades in credit courses and does not apply to graduate and undergraduate examinations that are administered as part of the degree progression and certification processes.
Old Dominion University will promptly refund tuition and/or cancel a financial charge from a student account provided the student meets the requirements of the University's policy on Tuition Appeals and submits supporting documentation on official letterhead.
At Old Dominion University, student members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by standards of conduct that form the basis of the Code of Student Conduct. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, fairness, respect, community, and responsibility. All students are expected to assume responsibility for their conduct, and to assume reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. The student conduct process exists to protect the interests of the community, and to educate and respond to those students whose behavior is not in accordance with our standards.
In the case of an actual emergency or to report a crime, please contact the Old Dominion Police Department or your local law enforcement agency.
Old Dominion University works with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to resolve distance learning complaints from students receiving their education under the auspices of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). Students who have been unable to resolve their complaint through the resources provided by Old Dominion university can submit a student complaint form to SCHEV.
Out-of-state distance learning students who have been unable to resolve their complaint through the resources provided by Old Dominion university can submit a student complaint form to the state in which the live.
Important Resources
