Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Washington State University
Washington State University Office of the Provost

Complaints and Recourse

Many faculty complaints can be addressed by discussing the matter with the department chair or school director. If the matter concerns the performance of the chair or if the chair cannot resolve the issue, the matter can be taken to the dean. Several other mechanisms for handling complaints are described below.

Compliance and Civil Rights

Compliance and Civil Rights seeks to integrate principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, fairness and equality into all academic and employment activities and practices throughout Washington State University (WSU). Any complaint regarding discrimination or sexual harassment should be brought to the attention of Compliance and Civil Rights. University Policies on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment and on Faculty-student Relationships appear below.

Faculty Status Committee

The Faculty Status Committee (FSC) adjudicates disputes among faculty members and between faculty members and the administration (e.g., denials of tenure and/or promotion). Any member of the faculty, including fixed-term (temporary) faculty, may bring a problem to the attention of the Committee. The Committee currently has ten tenured members, each serving for three years. FSC can also designate other members of the faculty to assist with its work. The Committee is nominated and elected by, and responsible to, the faculty. It writes reports and makes recommendations to the faculty and to the President. FSC also periodically reports to the Faculty Senate and to the faculty concerning its operations.

To submit a request for the Faculty Status Committee’s consideration, please click here.

University Ombudsman

The University Ombudsman functions as an impartial and neutral resource to provide information relating to university policies and procedures. He or she also facilitates the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and mediation. The Ombudsman Office is located in Wilson Hall, Room 2 and can be reached at 509-335-1195.

Counseling Center

The WSU Counseling Center seeks to promote the intellectual, emotional and social growth and development of WSU students. The Center offers individual, couple and group counseling, psychological testing, drug and alcohol services, self-help and 24/7 crisis counseling. Our service and programs help students develop lifelong skills for addressing personal, social, academic and career-related concerns. The WSU Counseling Center is located in the Washington Building. Please note that the gated parking lot in front of the building is reserved for Health and Wellness Services medical clinic patients.

Additional Questions

Please contact the Office of the Provost at 509-335-8915.