Where should I go with a concern?
For general information about Columbia University, please refer to http://www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-1754.
FOR STUDENTS
University Processes
Each school maintains its own processes for addressing a variety of student life issues, including students’ concerns about experiences in the classroom or with faculty at their school. For more information, review the Student Grievance Process: https://provost.columbia.edu/content/student-grievance-procedures-columbia-university. For complaints regarding distance education, review the policy available at the Office of Teaching, Learning and Innovation: https://vptli.columbia.edu/policies/distedcomplaints/
The University provides also several centralized reporting options for students, which are enumerated on the University Life website: https://universitylife.columbia.edu/report
New York State Education Department
Complaints regarding student grades or student conduct violations are governed entirely by institutional policy and the laws of New York state. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional complaint process, the complaint (except for complaints about grades or student conduct violations) may be appealed to the New York State Education Department (NYSED):
Andrea Richards
Supervisor, Higher Education Programs
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
518.474.1551
[email protected]
For more information about filing a complaint with NYSED, see: http://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/filing-complaint-about-college-or-university
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Students may also file a complaint with Columbia University’s regional accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, either online at https://www.msche.org/complaints/ or by mailing the complaint and supporting material to:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Attn: Complaints
1007 North Orange Street
4th Floor, MB #166
Wilmington, DE 19801
FOR EMPLOYEES
The first recommended resource for a clarification on a policy, regulation or law is one’s direct supervisor. If a direct supervisor cannot serve as a resource, below are other suggested resources to assist you.