The Academy is committed to the ideal that, in the pursuit of development, a student should be free of unfair and improper actions on the part of any member of the academic community. If a student feels that she or he has been subject to unjust actions or denied her or his rights, redress may be sought by filing an appeal or grievance within the framework of the Academy's policies and procedures, outlined below.

Step 1
Students are encouraged to resolve concerns or complaints informally by personal contact with the individual in question.

1. Academic concerns should first be discussed with the instructor.
2. For financial concerns or complaints, the student should first contact Accounts Receivable or the Financial Aid Office, as appropriate.
3. For complaints related to other matters, the student should seek out a faculty or staff member for assistance.

Step 2
If a satisfactory solution cannot be arranged through Step 1:

1. For academic concerns or complaints, the student should contact their Department Director.
2. For financial concerns or complaints, the student should contact a manager within Accounts Receivable or Financial Aid.
3. For complaints related to other matters, the student should seek out a manager in the appropriate area for assistance.

Step 3
If a satisfactory solution cannot be arranged through Step 2:

1. a. Student should submit a letter of grievance to the Grievance Committee:
   Grievance Committee
   Attn: Executive Vice President Sue Rowley
   Academy of Art University
   79 New Montgomery Street
   San Francisco, CA 94105

The Grievance Committee shall investigate grievance claims and hold formal hearings as necessary. Formal hearings deal primarily with serious student problems and complaints, especially those involving student discipline, allegations of discrimination, or other improper conduct. The Grievance Committee will consider all grievances in a timely manner upon formal written notice of a grievance and attempt to resolve them directly. All parties will be notified in writing of the Grievance Committee's decision within a reasonable time after the meeting date. Decisions of the Grievance Committee are final and binding, and are not appealable internally.

Complaints will be maintained as confidentially as possible. Grievances that affect a student's academic or financial status must be received by the Grievance Committee one month prior to the start of the semester in order to be considered by the Committee.

For further information concerning the grievance procedure, call the office of Executive Vice President Sue Rowley at 415-274-2233.