The procedures outlined here are in use by each major functional area of the College and are meant to guide students and parents compelled to formally complain about such items as a campus policy, procedure, condition or staff member. The procedures here, however, do not replace or supersede any applicable law or legal process that might be required, depending on the complaint made.
At SUNY Old Westbury we are committed to providing prompt and fair resolutions to all student/parent concerns. The process outlined below allows you to submit a complaint for almost all major functional areas of the College. For legal reasons, exceptions include:
- Academic Grievances: A student may appeal specific grades, probation and dismissal, and degree requirements by following the Academic Grievance Procedures.
- Discrimination or Harassment: The Discrimination and Harassment policy and procedure is designed to provide all members of the College community with a process for reporting incidents of discrimination or harassment, and to provide for prompt and effective response to and resolution of reports of discrimination or harassment.
- Title IX: In addition to the Discrimination and Harassment policy and procedure, the College conforms to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681), an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
- Student Conduct: The Code for Student Conduct addresses issues of student conduct and the processes by which such incidents and complaints are made, addressed, and resolved.
- Criminal Activity/University Police: The University Police Department Manual of Rules includes the grievance process and related forms. Students seeking to initiate a complaint through this procedure should contact the Chief of University Police to do so.
Complaint Process
Most complaints can be resolved informally by addressing the person(s) and/or department(s) involved. If you want assistance or need an advocate, the Ombuds is here to help. The Ombuds assists students, faculty, and staff in determining options to help resolve conflicts and other concerns. They are a great resource for bringing parties to a win/win solution.
When submitting your complaint, please provide as much information as possible.
- Once you submit the complaint form, you will receive a confirmation email verifying that it was received.
- Corresponding Vice President or their designee, will investigate your complaint. The investigation will seek to be thorough, timely, fair and resolute.
- To the extent practicable, all aspects of the investigation conducted in accordance with this procedure will be confidential. Involved parties may not retaliate against a student for filing a grievance.
- The investigator will attempt to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible. You will be informed of its progress as it moves along.
- Decisions of the Vice President are final.
Unit Websites, Locations and Contact Information
| Unit | Website | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of Academic Affairs | Academic Affairs | Campus Center, Room H-410 | 516-876-3135 |
| Division of Business & Finance | Business & Finance | Campus Center, Room H-310 | 516-876-3191 |
| Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Title IX, and Ombudsperson | Campus Center, Room H-417 | 516-876-3080 |
| Office of Enrollment Services | Enrollment Services | Campus Center, Room I-202 | 516-876-3073 |
| Division of Administration | Human Resources | Campus Center, Room I-211 | 516-876-3179 |
| Office of Institutional Advancement | Institutional Advancement | Campus Center, Room H-425 | 516-876-3207 |
| Office of Communications & College Relations | Communications & College Relations | Campus Center, Room H-300 | 516-876-3162 |
| Division of Student Affairs | Student Affairs | Campus Center, Room H-418 | 516-876-3175 |