Support

What to do if you want to make a complaint

Departmental publications normally say that if you have a problem with a course or lecturer you should take the issue to the individual concerned or the HOD in the first instance. This is good advice if you feel confident. Many students however, feel that they will be identified as a troublemaker if they raise a problem. In our experience, this isn’t necessarily true, but it is an understandable concern. If you decide not to take the departmental path but still want your problem dealt with, there are people you can approach for help, advice and advocacy.

1. Firstly, you can take the problem to your class rep. Class reps act as a liaison between the class and the department, and once trained, offer guidance and support. If your class does not have a class rep, please contact the Advocacy, Welfare and Volunteer Team.
2. Secondly, you can bring the problem directly to the Advocacy, Welfare and Volunteer Team. We will advise and help you to the best of our ability and we will give you options as to how the problem may be solved - at any stage you can withdraw from the process or decide to go it alone. It’s up to you - you can deal with problem yourself after support and advice from us, we can support you in meetings as you try to deal with the problem and/or we can act as your advocate and work with you to resolve the problem. Everything that you say to us will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Remember, all UC students are entitled to ask for a reconsideration of any original decision by the person who made it. You need to do this in writing. You must be notified in writing of the outcome of the reconsideration. If you are still unhappy you can make a formal complaint or appeal.