Monash University has procedures in place to assist students to resolve issues that concern them. A grievance results when a complaint cannot be resolved within the Department it concerns. A grievance process is a formal investigation of the complaint to reach a resolution. No student will be penalised or adversely affected for lodging a grievance.
When preparing yourself to lodge a complaint you need to:
Firstly State Your Case:
What is the problem?
How is it a problem ?
What options could solve this problem?
Get the facts clear in your mind - it helps to write it down - so that you can communicate the issues to others. Include dates, the sequence of events and summaries of any verbal or written communications. Having the problem defined and knowing what would resolve the situation makes it easier to negotiate a better deal for yourself.
Try to separate objective fact from subjective interpretation. It may help to talk it through with someone because if you are in the middle of a crisis it isn't always easy to see clearly. The Student Advocate and Support Coordinator at the Union is available to help in these situations so don't wait till it's a full blown crisis!
Monash University set up specific processes to deal with grievances:
Step One - try to resolve your complaint informally with the staff member(s) in question or the Head of School.
Step Two - you can lodge a grievance by making a formal written request to the Grievance Officer appointed to your faculty.
Step Three - if your grievance is not resolved a Faculty Grievance Committee must be convened where the matter will be investigated further.
Step Four - if the Grievance is dismissed and you wish to appeal contact the University Student Ombudsman for an independent review of the matter. http://www.ombudsman.monash.edu.au/
When working through the grievance process try communicating by email - this is a good way of keeping a record of events, conversations and outcomes - make sure you print them out and keep them in a handy spot just in case. If contact occurs in person or by telephone summarise discussions via email to the person afterwards so that you both have a record of the conversation.
Ignoring or putting off a problem almost always makes it harder to solve - so do something about it NOW!
Start with the attitude that you have a reasonable point of view, that you are dealing with a reasonable person and that you are prepared to listen to their point of view also.
If after going through the four stages of the grievance resolution procedure you are not satisfied with the outcome from the Dean's nominee or the Faculty Grievance Committee you can appeal in writing to the Dean.
Any decision made at this stage is considered to be final - BUT - you can have your case taken up by the Monash Ombudsman or the University Visitor.
Contact the Student Advocate and Support Coordinator for support and representation. Phone: (03) 5122 6248 Fax: (03) 5122 6593 Email: david.law@mugsu.monash.edu.au WWW: www.mugsu.org.au
