About

The Curriculum and Instruction Department encourages the resolution of student complaints through timely communication as close as possible to the point of origin. Students having a complaint concerning courses and/or programs offered by our department should direct their questions to the professor directly responsible for teaching the course or to the Department Chair if the concern is program related. For issues relating to a student protesting a grade, the university policy will be followed as outlined in the Hardin Simmons University Catalog. Other issues, such as matters of academic integrity, discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct will follow university policy as outlined in the McMurry catalog.

The Curriculum and Instruction Department seeks to adequately address all student complaints in an acceptable manner that avoids a formal complaint process. Should this goal not be met, the following procedures will apply. When the concern relates to a course or the teacher preparation program, the student should complete the following procedures below:

Anonymous or unsigned complaints will not be processed.

Formal Student Complaint Process

A student may file a formal written complaint by submitting a completed Formal Student Complaint Form to the department chair. The form must include:

  • A clear description of the complaint

  • The date(s) on which the issue occurred or became evident

  • The desired outcome or resolution

McMurry University utilizes the same complaint form as the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Resolution Process

  • Course-related concerns – The department chair will schedule a meeting between the student and the professor involved within ten (10) working days to begin the resolution process.

  • Program-related concerns – The department chair will arrange a meeting with the student, the appropriate faculty member, and/or the chair responsible for that part of the program.

  • In all cases, the department’s Administrative Assistant will attend to record accurate meeting minutes.

A copy of the completed complaint form, along with the outcome of the meeting, will be forwarded to the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Role of the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA)

  • The VPAA’s office will send the student a written acknowledgement of the complaint via University email within three (3) working days of receipt.

  • If the matter remains unresolved, the VPAA may:

    • Meet with all parties involved to resolve, or

    • Assign a special committee to review and rule on the complaint.

  • The VPAA will issue a final ruling within 30 calendar days of receipt and notify the student and the Curriculum and Instruction Department chair in writing (via letter or email).

Commitment to Resolution

McMurry University and the Curriculum and Instruction Department are committed to addressing student complaints reasonably and efficiently, resolving issues internally, and avoiding the need for a formal grievance process.

If the complaint cannot be resolved internally, students may file directly with the Texas Education Agency (TEA):

TEA Complaints Management
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701-1494
Phone: 512.463.3544
Fax: 512.475.3665
Email: complaintsmanagement@tea.texas.gov
TEA Complaint Form

Policy

The Curriculum and Instruction department at McMurry, in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency, provides a student complaint process which includes maintaining a record of the formal written complaints received in accordance with Texas Administrative Code 228.70.
More Information