Students often find themselves in situations where they need assistance in resolving a concern. Below is a list of concerns and issues that college students face with a suggested resolution.
Academic advising
If you do not know who your advisor is or are having trouble getting in contact with your advisor, go to My Advisor, which allows you to enter your OAK ID and password and directly access your advisor information. If you continue to have difficulty locating your advisor, you should contact your college dean’s office.
College Offices/Representatives
* College of Arts and Sciences
Caryn Asleson
740-593-2841, or e-mail at asleson@ohio.edu
* College of Business
Michael Bila
740-593-1344, or e-mail at bila@ohio.edu
* College of Communication
Eddith Dashiell
740-593-4883, or e-mail at dashiell@ohio.edu
* College of Education
Maureen Coon
740-593-4400, or e-mail at education@ohio.edu
* Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Ken Sampson
740-593-1503, or e-mail at sampson@ohio.edu
* College of Fine Arts
Norma Humphreys
740-593-1812, or e-mail at humphren@ohio.edu
* Honors Tutorial College
Jan Hodson
740-593-2723, or e-mail at hodsonj@ohio.edu
* College of Health and Human Services
Becky Zuspan
740-593-9336, or e-mail at zuspan@ohio.edu
* University College
Laura Chapman
740-593-1945, or e-mail at chapmanl@ohio.edu
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Academic concerns
Student is having difficulty with classes or is experiencing difficulty adjusting to college level work or has test anxiety. The Academic Advancement Center (593-2644; located on the ground floor of Alden Library) provides tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions (SI). In addition, Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616; located on the 3rd floor of Hudson Health Center) can provide assistance for students in the form of individual and/or group counseling.
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Adjustment issues
If you are having concerns regarding your adjustment to Ohio University (meeting people, depression, lack of confidence, eating disorders, etc.), Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616; located on the 3rd floor of Hudson) can provide individual counseling and support groups for you that address a wide variety of adjustment issues.
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Alcohol or drug use
If you are exhibiting unhealthy alcohol or drug use (through observed behaviors or conversations), Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616; located on the 3rd floor of Hudson) can provide assessment and individual counseling for you.
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Career exploration
Student expresses concern about career goals and determining a major. The Office of Career Services (593-2909; located in 533 Baker University Center) helps students explore majors and careers as well as providing outreach programs in residence halls and classes. This office can also assist students in identifying summer jobs and internships.
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Grievances, academic
If you have a grievance that is related to your academic program or coursework, the Ombuds Office, Crewson House 200, 740-593-2627, can provide advice and assistance to help you resolve academically-related conflicts. You can appeal grades or grieve other academically-related matters as described below.
Course Grade Appeal Procedure
The instructor assigned to the class has full responsibility for grading. Grades for a course cannot be changed by any other mechanism other than the grade appeal process defined below. The burden of proof for a grade change is on you, except in those cases involving charges of academic dishonesty. Steps in the grade appeal process are outlined below:
1. You must first make a concerted effort to resolve the matter with the instructor of the course.
2. Failing such a resolution with the instructor, you may appeal the grade to the department chair or school director where the course is offered.
3. The chair/director must attempt a resolution acceptable to both you and the instructor but does not have the authority to change the grade.
4. The department chair/director may enlist departmental grievance procedures to assist in resolving the grade appeal at the departmental level.
5. If the resolution of the issue at the department/school level is unsuccessful, you may forward the appeal to the dean of the college where the course was taught for action.
6. If the chair/director is the instructor for the course, you should appeal directly to the dean.
7. Upon review of the appeal, if the dean concludes that sufficient grounds exist for an appeal, the dean shall appoint a faculty committee of five members to consider the case.
8. If the majority on the committee decides that the grade should be changed and the instructor does not accept this recommendation, the committee can authorize the Registrar to change the grade.
9. The decision of the committee is not subject to further appeal.
10. In appeal cases in which the dean is the instructor, the role of the dean will be assumed by the Provost.
11. In appeal cases involving courses taught by faculty from more than one college, the Dean of University College will review the appeal and if necessary appoint the appeal committee.
Student Appeals For Other Academic Matters (other than grade appeals)
You may also grieve other academic matters not involving grade changes. These issues may include course content and instructor behavior. Before pursuing such a grievance, you should familiarize yourself with the importance of academic freedom to the educational environment of the university. Ohio University supports the idea that protecting academic freedom at the institution is the responsibility of students and faculty alike. Ohio University takes the position that academic freedom protects faculty and students’ research and scholarship activities as well as material introduced in the classroom and must be assured during the academic appeal process. However, instructors are expected to show proper judgment in the classroom and should avoid persistently intruding material which has no relation to their subject. A statement defining academic freedom that is based on language supported by the Association of American Colleges and Universities can be found below. You should familiarize yourself with this statement before deciding whether to pursue a grievance related to an academic matter.
If you wish to grieve an academic matter that is not protected by academic freedom as defined below, you should first seek resolution of the matter with the instructor. If resolution is not reached, you should take your grievance to the department chair or school director. If resolution cannot be reached at that level, you should consult the dean of your college.
You should be aware that you may contact the Ombuds Office, Crewson House 200, 740-593-2627, for advice and counsel at anytime during the academic grievance processes described above.
Academic Freedom: Rights and Responsibilities for Faculty and Students at Ohio University
(Adapted from the Association of American Colleges and Universities statement on Academic Freedom and Educational Responsibilities, December 21, 2005)
A university is a dedicated social place where a variety of competing claims to truth can be explored and tested, free from political interference. The persons who drive the production of knowledge and the process of education are highly trained professors, and they, through an elaborate process of review by professional peers, take responsibility as a community for the quality of their scholarship, teaching, and student learning. Trustees, administrators, policy makers, and other stakeholders also have important roles to play, but the faculty and their students stand at the center of the enterprise.
Academic freedom to explore significant and controversial questions is an essential precondition to fulfill the university's mission of educating students and advancing knowledge. In order to contribute to knowledge, scholars require the freedom to pursue their ideas wherever they lead, unconstrained by political, religious, or other dictums. And scholars need the informed criticism of peers who represent a broad spectrum of insight and experience in order to build a body of knowledge. Students benefit enormously when their learning is guided by thoughtful and knowledgeable scholars who come from diverse backgrounds and experience in order to build a body of knowledge. Academic freedom is necessary not just so faculty members can conduct their individual research and teach their own courses, but so they can enable students to acquire the learning they need to contribute to society. Academic responsibility requires professors to submit their knowledge and claims to rigorous and public review by peers who are experts in the subject matter under consideration; to ground their arguments in the best available evidence; and to work together to foster the education of students. Faculty are responsible for establishing goals for student learning, for designing and implementing programs of general education and specialized study that intentionally cultivate the intended learning, and for assessing students' achievement.
As faculty carry out this mission, it is inevitable that students will encounter ideas, books, and people that challenge their preconceived ideas and beliefs. The resulting tension between the faculty's freedom to teach and the students' freedom to form independent judgments opens an additional dimension of academic freedom and educational responsibility. This clash of competing ideas is an important catalyst, not only for the expansion of knowledge but also in students' development of independent critical judgment. It is thus essential that faculty help students to learn to engage differences of opinion, evaluate evidence, and form their own grounded judgments about the relative value of competing perspectives.
Liberally educated students are curious about new intellectual questions, open to alternative ways of viewing a situation or a problem, disciplined to follow intellectual methods to conclusions, capable of accepting criticism from others, tolerant of ambiguity, and respectful of others with different views. They understand and accept the imperative of academic honesty. Building such intellectual and personal capacities is the right way to warn students of the inappropriateness and dangers of indoctrination, help them see through the distortions of propaganda, and enable them to assess judiciously the persuasiveness of powerful emotional appeals. Emphasizing the quality of analysis helps students see why unwelcome views need to be heard rather than silenced. There must be curricular space, capable guides and models, and a supportive institutional culture to encourage students as they learn to develop their own critical judgments. Freedom to learn is indispensable for both students and professors as they examine and assess disparate points of view within and across disciplinary boundaries.
To develop their own critical judgment, students also need the freedom to express their ideas publicly as well as repeated opportunities to explore a wide range of insights and perspectives. Students are more likely to develop cognitive complexity when they frequently interact with people, views, and experiences that are different from their own. In a learning context, everyone must respect those who disagree with themselves and also maintain an atmosphere of civility. Anything less creates a hostile environment that limits intellectual diversity and, therefore, the quality of learning. Students require a safe environment in order to feel free to express their own views. They must have confidence that they will not be subjected to ridicule by either students or professors. They have a right to be graded on the intellectual merit of their arguments, uninfluenced by the personal views of professors. They must also have a right to appeal if they are not able to reach a satisfactory resolution of differences with a professor.
However, students do not have a right to remain free from encountering unwelcome or inconvenient questions. Learning to form independent judgments requires that students demonstrate openness to the challenges their ideas may elicit and the willingness to alter their original views in light of new knowledge, evidence, and perspectives. Students do have a right to hear and examine diverse opinions, but within the frameworks that knowledgeable scholars - themselves subject to rigorous standards of peer review - have determined to be reliable and accurate. All competing ideas on a subject do not deserve to be included in a course or program, or to be regarded as equally valid simply because they have been asserted.
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Grievances, other
If you experience a conflict or have a complaint about some aspect of your experience, contact the Ombuds Office (593-2627; located in Crewson House) which assists students and other members of the university community in settling conflicts. Other important problems that are not addressed by the Ombuds office should be handled in the following manner:
- Bring the situation to the attention of the chair/director of the academic department and if it is not resolved, consult with the academic dean's office.
- Bring the situation to the attention of the director of the administrative unit responsible and, if it is not resolved, consult with the office of the appropriate vice president/unit head.
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Commuter students
If you have an issue relating to being a commuter student you should contact Commuter Student Services at the office of University College, 140 Chubb Hall (740) 593-1935;
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Death of family member
If you experience the death of a family member and need to leave campus, you should contact your academic dean's office who will notify your professors about your absence. Whenever possible, you should contact professors individually. Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616; located on the 3rd floor of Hudson) can provide individual counseling and support groups for students experiencing grief. If you lives on campus, it is often helpful to notify the Department of Residence Life (593-4095) to provide follow-up support for you. In addition, The Dean of Students Office (593-1800; 345 Baker University Center or email at: deanstu@ohio.edu) can facilitate all of the services listed above should you or your family need additional assistance.
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Emergency
If there is an emergency situation on campus, you should contact the Ohio University Police Department at 593-1911 or on-campus at 3-1911.
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Emergency closing of the University
Upon the declaration by the University President/designee, Ohio University will close and classes will be cancelled when the Athens County Sheriff's department determines a Level III emergency exists for Athens County. Appropriate closing and reopening times will be announced through all media sources. For more detailed information and updates during an emergency closing, call 593-1000, view TGC channel 5 on Catvision, or visit http://www.ohio.edu.
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Financial concerns
If you have concerns regarding financial problems, etc, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (593-4141; located in 020 Chubb Hall) provides information and counseling to all students. Financial assistance is available through loans, scholarships, grants, work-study, PACE (Program to Aid Career Exploration) and emergency short-term loans.
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Harassment
If you are being harassed by another student, the Ohio University Police Department (593-1911; located in Scott Quad) should be notified. In addition, The Office of University Judiciaries (593-2629; located in Baker University Center, room 205) can assist you in filing a referral against another student.
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Illness
If you become ill , the Student Health Service (Hudson Health Center, 593-1660) can provide medical attention to you including lab work, x-rays and a pharmacy. Should you have to leave campus for medical reasons, you should call your academic dean's office and notify the office of your absence & expected date of return. Academic dean's offices will notify your professors of your absence. If you are able to, you should make every attempt to contact professors directly.
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International student concerns
If you have questions regarding immigration, correspondence with sponsors or getting in touch with embassies, the International Student & Faculty Services (ISFS; 593-4330; located in 348 Baker University Center) assists international students with initial orientation to Athens and Ohio University, as well as helping you with problems, university regulations and other related concerns. If you want to study abroad, you should contact the office of Education Abroad at 107 Gordy Hall, 593-4583.
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Internships
If you are interested in finding an internship related to your major, you should contact the individual academic departments which coordinate the internships for your major, or view the Career Services Summer Job & Internship Bulletin.
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Involvement
If you are concerned about a lack of involvement or things to do on campus, visit The Groove Web site. Use this site to find places to go, things to do and people to meet. You've heard it before, but it's true - there's something for everyone! Skim this list of options and go from there. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, or on a certain date, check out the Ohio University Fun Stuffpage or the Ohio University Calendar of Events. Campus Life (593-4025; located in 355 Baker University Center) and The Office of Multicultural Programs (593-4027; located in 205 Baker University Center) offer many opportunities for involvement including more than 350 registered student organizations, Greek Life, leadership development and cultural and campus programming. In addition, The Department of Residence Life (593-4095) can refer you to many alternative programs on weekends & evenings (you should see your RA for more information).
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Learning disability
If you have a learning disability, are experiencing difficulty adjusting to classes or suspect that you have a learning disability, Disability Services (593-2620; located in Crewson House) offers support for students diagnosed with learning disabilities. You should register with this office upon arrival to campus. Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616, located on the 3rd floor of Hudson) can provide diagnostic tests and counseling support for students with special needs
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Roommate or problems with living arrangements
If you are concerned about roommate conflict or problems with your living environment on-campus, you should contact your resident assistant (RA) and discuss your concern. If you feel that the situation has not been resolved, you should contact the resident director (RD) of your residence hall. If you are concerned about living arrangements off-campus, you should contact The Office of Off-Campus Living (339 Baker University Center, 593-4073).
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Relationship issues
If you have concerns about relationship difficulties (family, friends, significant others) Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616; located on the 3rd floor of Hudson) can provide individual counseling and support groups for students addressing relationship issues.
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Sexual assault
If you have been sexually assaulted, the Ohio University Police Department (593-1911) should be notified if the assault took place on campus. If the assault took place off-campus, the Athens Police Department should be notified (593-6606). SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) is available at Hudson Health Center (593-1660) to provide a medical examination and collect forensic evidence. Counseling & Psychological Services (593-1616) can provide individual counseling for students addressing issues related to sexual assault. All services are available after hours. To contact any of the resources after regular business hours, call OUPD (593-1911).
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* use this form to express a concern about a student who may be experiencing difficulty, or having a problem/crisis of just about any kind relating to campus or academic life.
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