Student Complaints

The University of Richmond values feedback from its students and believes students should be able to discuss problems and express concerns to the University and free from duress or retaliation. The University is committed to providing students with an avenue to express concerns and to work with University officials towards amicable resolutions. The University believes engaging in this process can also be an inherently valuable educational experience for students and can help prepare students to address issues in a professional and productive manner after they leave the University.

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  • Academic

    Students with academic complaints should begin by discussing them with their professor. If this is not appropriate or does not resolve the issue, students should address their concerns to the relevant chair of the department or the associate dean/dean of the school. Students who wish to submit anonymous complaints must use the student complaint form.

  • Informal

    Student complaints not falling under other policies should be made to the supervisor or responsible staff member of the area from which the complaint originates or relates for attempted informal resolution of the complaint. Resolution of a majority of complaints can likely be resolved at this informal level.

  • Formal

    If an informal resolution of the student’s complaint cannot be accomplished, or if the complaint is about the supervisor or responsible staff member for the area, the student should then submit their complaint formally by completing and submitting the Student Complaint Form. The Student Complaint Form can be submitted anonymously without the disclosure of name, the identification of parties involved, or requesting any action.

  • Distance Education

    The University of Richmond participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which allows the University to offer distance education to students in other SARA member states. In accordance with SARA policy, students enrolled in courses that are subject to SARA regulations should first attempt to resolve any complaints directly through the University’s complaint procedures. If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, it may be submitted to the Virginia SARA State Portal Entity (SPE). The SPE holds final authority in these matters and may take actions including, but not limited to, removing an institution from SARA eligibility if it is found to be noncompliant with SARA policies.

    SARA-related complaints are not subject to mandatory arbitration agreements, even if such agreements are used for other types of disputes; arbitration cannot be applied to complaints covered by SARA policy. In addition, SARA member states retain the authority to investigate fraud, misrepresentation, or other illegal activity, regardless of where the institution is based. For additional information about SARA or to file a complaint with the State Portal Entity, please find the Virginia State Portal Entity Contact at this link: https://nc-sara.org/state-portal-entity-contacts.