A student who has a valid, documented complaint against the Graduate School at Alcorn State University may submit a complaint. The complaint is recorded in a complaint log naming the person making the complaint, the reason for the complaint, the date filed, and the action taken to resolve the issue. The complaint process is a mechanism that is considered reasonable and fairly administered to solve conflict(s) students may encounter. Students are encouraged.

Types of Submissions

  • Telephone – the appropriate office personnel can be called to file the complaint.
  • Written – written complaints may be submitted using one of the following: email, letter, or electronically using the Customer Service link.
  • Conference – student may schedule a visit or conference to discuss complaint.
  • Appeal – a Level 1 Appeal can be made at the graduate level; appropriate supporting documentation must accompany the Appeal.

The following is a listing of contacts in the Graduate School for specific types of complaints.

Complaint and Appeals Procedures

[email protected]

APPEALS: Lead Responsibility – Graduate Studies Administrator
Contact Person: Dr. Edmund Buckner 601.877.3995

Telephone Student determines if Level 1 or Level 2 appeal should be filed; Direct student to complete appropriate Appeals Form
Email Email Appeals Form and supporting documentation
Office Visit/Conference Schedule face-to-face conference to discuss and resolve issue
Written Academic appeals are referred to Graduate Studies Administrator for review. Forward appropriate appeals document(s) to Graduate Appeals administrator for dissemination to Provost, Graduate Administrator, Department Chair or Dean of Academic Unit; appropriate personnel should respond and send student adjudication by digital communication; record decision and accompanying documents in electronic enrollment services application (BDMS)

GRADUATE ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Lead Responsibility – Data Management Specialist
Contact Person: Julia Odom, 601.877.4708

Telephone Listen to understand and resolve the issue whether academic or regulations
Email Refer issue to academic unit if scope of complaint is more departmental than Graduate School
Office Visit/Conference Schedule face-to-face conference to discuss and resolve issue

Record collaboration from office visit on Complaint Log
Written Direct student to complete Customer Service link and responder should respond and index comment document in BDMS in student’s digital file

ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT SERVICES: Lead Responsibility – Enrollment Manager
Contact Person: Demetris Reed, 601.877.6122

Telephone Collaborate with caller to understand the problem to resolve the issue
Email Direct student to email to request appropriate service or document
Office Visit/Conference Schedule face-to-face conference to discuss and resolve issue. If issue cannot be resolved, refer student to appropriate personnel or unit that can troubleshoot issue(s)
Written Provide written documents to department to assist student

GRADUATION: Lead Responsibility – Data Management Specialist & Enrollment Manager
Contact Person: Julia Odom, 601-877-4708 or Demetris Reed, 601.877.6122

Telephone Research completion to degree complaint and determine if issue needs to be referred to office manager or Graduate Studies Administrator
Email Send issue to graduate personnel to address concern
Office Visit/Conference Schedule face-to-face conference to discuss and resolve issue
Written Submit letter of complaint and include justification or rationale for adverse decision

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES: Lead Responsibility – Designated School Official or Designee
Contact Person: Demetris Reed, 601.877.6122

Telephone Designated School Official (DSO) or Designee is contacted
Email Email DSO or Graduate Studies to register issue for resolution
Office Visit/Conference Schedule face-to-face conference to discuss and resolve issue regarding international student services (local or USCIS)
Written Write letter to detail problem or present documents that illuminate an issue to be resolved

OTHER ISSUES: Lead Responsibility – Data Management Specialist
Contact Person: Julia Odom, 601.877.4708

Telephone Record issues on Telephone Call Log to discuss and resolve; include name, ASU ID, telephone number, description of issue, and disposition
Email Submit complaint using electronic portal or Graduate Studies Customer Service email

Forward email to appropriate entity if unable to resolve or if issue is related to a different office
Office Visit/Conference Schedule face-to-face conference to discuss and resolve issue

Office visit may result in conference call to appropriate personnel to collaborate in resolving the problem
Written Write letter of complaint and forward to appropriate division or Academic Affairs as next tier