Student Complaints and Appeals Procedures

Drake University is committed to creating an environment where students feel heard, supported, and treated fairly. This page provides information about how to share a concern, pursue a complaint or appeal, and access the appropriate university processes.

In most cases, concerns should first be addressed within the area where they arose. This typically means starting with the staff member, faculty member, or department involved before moving to a formal complaint or appeal process. Many issues can be resolved at this stage through clarification and discussion.

If a concern is not resolved informally, students may pursue a formal complaint or appeal through appropriate college/school or university office. Each unit maintains its own procedures, timelines, and requirements.

Complaint and Appeal Support

If you are unsure which office or process applies to your concern, you are encouraged to use the
Student Complaint or Appeal Assistance Form. A staff member will review your inquiry and help direct you to the appropriate next steps.

Please note: This form is for guidance only and does not initiate a formal complaint or appeal process.

We encourage you to start here, as many concerns can be resolved quickly through conversation and clarification.

An informal complaint is a concern about a decision, action, or behavior that you believe was unfair or applied incorrectly. In many cases, concerns can be resolved quickly by addressing them directly with the person(s) or office involved.

Steps for Informal Resolution

Start by discussing your concern with the faculty member, staff member, or office where the issue occurred
If the concern is not resolved, you may contact the department chair, associate/assistant dean for future review, or supervisor for further review

If your concern is not resolved through informal steps, a formal complaint or appeal may be submitted through the appropriate college/school or university office.

Each unit has its own procedures, but most formal processes include the following:

Submit your concern in writing to the college/school dean's office or the director of the appropriate unit
Include key information, such as:
- Your name and contact information
- Your college/school or program
- A clear description of the concern or appeal
- Relevant dates, individuals involved, and current status
Be prepared to demonstrate that you attempted to resolve the issue informally

Each college/school and administrative unit follows its own timelines and procedures for reviewing and resolving complaints and appeals.

Use the links below to find the appropriate process based on your concern:

Academic Concerns

Academic Integrity Appeals

Appeals of academic integrity violations (e.g., plagiarism) are handled by the instructor’s college or school

Grade Appeals

Appeals of final course grades are handled by the instructor’s college or school

Disability Accommodation Concerns (ADA)

Procedures for accommodations and related complaints are outlined in the university’s disability accommodation policy

Other Academic Concerns

Concerns related to academic policies, classroom experiences, or faculty should be directed to the appropriate college or school

Non-Academic Concerns

Non-Academic (Administrative) Concerns

Concerns related to university offices or services (e.g., housing, dining, financial aid) should be directed to the appropriate unit

Harassment or Discrimination

Concerns related to harassment or discrimination (including Title IX) should be reported to Human Resources, the Dean of Students, or other designated officials. Formal policies and reporting options are available in the links below:

Anonymous Complaints

Drake University is committed to fair and ethical principles, practices, and conduct in all business and academic relationships. To facilitate this commitment, the University has contracted with EthicsPoint to manage a confidential hotline which provides an anonymous way to report situations that may represent financial misconduct or violations of local, state or federal law or University policies.

State authorization Information

Drake University is registered by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission to operate in Iowa and to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.

The Iowa College Student Aid Commission serves as the state agency responsible for reviewing student complaints related to institutional compliance with state laws and regulations.

Students are expected to first complete Drake University's internal complaint or grievance process and receive a final decision before submitting a complaint to the Iowa College Aid Commission. If a student believes the University has not appropriately addressed a concern, they may contact the Iowa College Student Aid Commission directly:

Iowa Department of Education
Bureau of Iowa College Aid
400 E 14th St
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Online Form: https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/student-complaints

Phone: 877-272-4456

NC-SARA Student Complaint Process: https://nc-sara.org/sara-student-complaints-0