College-level appeals, such as appeals of final grades, should first start through the faculty member and department level. Please consult the University Catalog for your degree level at https://enrollment.gsu.edu/catalogs/. Appeals information in each catalog is at Section 1050.80.

In general, the appeals process follows these steps before consideration by the Provost:

1. The matter should first be addressed with the faculty member in question. If the matter cannot be resolved with the faculty member, the matter can be appealed to the Department Chair.
2. If the matter cannot be resolved through the Department Chair, it can be appealed to the Dean of your college or school.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved through the Dean, the student can then appeal the decision of the Dean to the Provost.

For university-level academic appeals or complaints, submit an appeal in writing, accompanied by pertinent documentation describing (a) the specific action, practice, or decision that is problematic; (b) the impact of that decision; (c) what resolution is being sought; and (d) why it should be granted to the Office of the Provost.

Appeals to the Provost’s Office with attachments may be sent to [email protected], or physically mailed with enclosures to:

EVP Academic Affairs/Provost
P.O. Box 3999
Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3999

Include your Panther ID number in your submission.

To promote prompt resolution, complaints must include contact information and be submitted as early as possible, but no later than the end of the term immediately following the term in which the matter arose.

The Office of the Provost will normally issue a decision to the student in writing, within 10 business days of receiving the complaint.

To contact the Provost’s Office regarding other matters, email [email protected].

Information For Parents and Guardians About Federal Privacy Regulations (FERPA)

We have included the following information to assist parents and guardians who may have particular inquiries on behalf of their students.

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is designed to protect students’ rights with regard to educational records maintained by an institution. The intent of this legislation is to protect the rights of students and ensure the privacy and accuracy of education records.

Georgia State instructors and administrators are not permitted to discuss attendance, academic progress or disciplinary actions with a parent, guardian, or other third party. Students themselves will need to address these matters.

Additional helpful information for you and your student is included below.

For Students

Please direct your student to the following helpful resources. These resources may help to answer any questions.

It is important to note that students should use their @student.gsu.edu email address in communications about these matters when contacting university offices and/or departments.

• Office of the Dean of Students: This office connects students to campus resources, facilitates students in resolving issues and complaints, encourages student involvement and addresses emergency concerns. The website also includes a searchable FAQ utility at the bottom of the office’s home page at this link.
• Student Handbook: This guide includes university rules and regulations, in addition to services, offices and resources. It can help to point students in the right direction to address issues they may have.
• Student Code of Conduct: The Student Code of Conduct lists official university rules and regulations, in addition to policies and procedures for matters such as withdrawals, academic honesty, appeals, processes to file complaints, and more.

For Parents: More About FERPA

 

• Full Details About FERPA at Georgia State (Office of the Registrar)
• Information for Parents/Guardians About FERPA (Student Success)