Are you having issues with your professor? For those who may say yes to that inquiry,information was gathered from two professors on their different perspectives. One, a department chair and the other, an academic advisor. Dr. Christopher Cink, chair for the Department of Biology, Environmental Science and Health Science, as well as a professor of biology, recommended students look in the student handbook about the proper steps to take, as well as talking to the professor or department chair depending on the circumstance. 

Dr. Christian Hayes, assistant professor of biology, director of marine science and the au sable institute faculty representative, responded similarly, saying that students should first talk to the professor if they feel comfortable doing so, If they don’t feel comfortable however, to then talk to the department chair. 

When asked what they wanted students in this situation to know or what advice they had for students, both responded in a similar manner. Cink said, “Be aware that everyone on campus is trying to be helpful, but they may seem in some cases that it may take time and it may seem like the odds are against you. But if there’s a problem, we do want to try to fix it.” 

Hayes said that, “communication is key,” and most of the time, the professor has your best interest at heart and wants to see you succeed. 

Cink also spoke to the significance to the topic regarding what goes on behind the scenes that the students don’t often see, noting when a student files a complaint or speaks with the chair. He said that there is a lot of information collection being done behind the scenes, getting as much information as possible. That is to help the chair to see both sides and understand what is going on and how it can be addressed properly.

Cink encouraged students to look at the student handbook to see what it said about who to talk to and what to do depending on the type of situation. He specifically mentioned the “Grievances and Appeals” section, under Section 6, “Students Will Adhere To All Institutional Procedures.” The student handbook stated, “The student should request an appointment to meet with the particular faculty/staff member to present his/her complaint to the person concerned.” It goes on to state that the meeting can happen with the department chair present on behalf of the department. If nothing is resolved then the student can initiate a formal complaint. “In order to initiate a formal grievance, the student must submit a written statement of the grievance outlining the alleged unfair treatment, a description of the basis for the appeal, any attempts to resolve the problem informally, and any suggested resolutions to the problem.” This grievance should be given to the vice president or dean supervising that area.