1. Purpose
The Student Grievance and Appeals Procedures provide a fair, transparent, and timely mechanism for addressing concerns raised by students related to academic, administrative, or personal matters within the Institute.
2. Scope
These procedures cover grievances relating to:
- Academic matters (assessment, grading, supervision, academic advice).
- Administrative services (registration, fees, facilities, student services).
- Interpersonal issues (harassment, discrimination, misconduct by staff or students).
- Disciplinary actions or penalties imposed on students.
Note: Matters involving examination re-checking, plagiarism penalties, or disciplinary sanctions have separate processes but may fall under the appeals route.
3. Principles
- Fairness: All students will be treated equally without discrimination.
- Confidentiality: All grievances will be handled discreetly.
- Timeliness: Complaints will be resolved within reasonable timeframes.
- Accessibility: Students can submit grievances without fear of retaliation.
- Right to Appeal: Students have the right to appeal decisions at higher levels.
4. Grievance Procedure
Step 1: Informal Resolution
- Students are encouraged to first resolve the issue informally by discussing it with the concerned faculty member, staff, or immediate supervisor.
- Many issues can be settled quickly through direct communication.
Step 2: Formal Written Complaint
- If unresolved, the student may submit a written complaint to the Head of Department (HoD) or relevant administrative head within 10 working days of the incident.
- The HoD will acknowledge receipt and investigate, providing a written response within 15 working days.
Step 3: Escalation to Faculty/Dean
- If the student is not satisfied, they may escalate the grievance to the Faculty Grievance Committee, chaired by the Dean.
- The committee may interview parties, review evidence, and recommend a resolution.
- A decision will be issued within 20 working days.
Step 4: Institute-Level Grievance Committee
- For unresolved cases, the student may appeal to the Institute Grievance Committee (under the Internal Quality Assurance Cell – IQAC).
- This body includes senior academic staff, an administrative representative, and an external advisor (if needed).
- The Committee’s decision will normally be final within the Institute.
5. Appeals Procedure
Students may appeal against decisions relating to:
- Examination results (after re-checking process).
- Disciplinary actions (e.g., plagiarism penalties, suspension).
- Rejection of grievance by lower-level committees.
Appeal Process:
- Submission of Appeal: Written appeal to the Registrar within 10 working days of the decision.
- Appeals Committee Review: An independent Appeals Committee (different from the grievance committee) will review the case.
- Hearing: The student may be invited to present their case in person
- Decision: A written decision will be provided within 20 working days.
The decision of the Appeals Committee is final within the internal framework of the Institute. However, students retain the right to approach external regulatory bodies (e.g., UGC, Ministry of Higher Education, or legal recourse) if they remain dissatisfied.
6. Timeframes Summary
- Informal discussion: Immediate (within 5 working days, where possible).
- Formal complaint: Decision within 15 working days.
- Faculty-level grievance: Decision within 20 working days.
- Institute-level grievance/appeal: Decision within 20 working days.
7. Records and Confidentiality
- All grievance and appeal records will be maintained by the Registrar’s Office.
- Information will only be shared with those directly involved in resolving the matter.
8. Protection from Retaliation
Students who file grievances or appeals in good faith will not be penalized, victimized, or discriminated against. Any retaliation will be treated as a disciplinary offense.