L&S Student Support & Advocacy

The following appeal process is adapted from the Procedures for Grade Appeals from the UC Berkeley Academic Senate. (link is external)

Grounds for [grade] grievance are application of non-academic criteria, such as considerations of race, politics, religion, sex, or other criteria not directly reflective of performance related to course requirements; sexual harassment; or improper academic procedures that unfairly affect a student’s grade.

You should first attempt to settle the matter informally. This should be done by discussing the issue with your instructor. You may also contact the Department Chair or another mutually acceptable third party who is uninvolved in the grade grievance process and can attempt to mediate the dispute informally.

If these informal procedures have failed to settle the matter, and the one-year time limit has not expired, you may initiate a formal grievance process. The formal process is initiated when you submit the case in writing to the department chair. Details about what must be included in your case are available in the Procedures for Grade Appeals(link is external). There is also a helpful Formal Grade Grievance Checklist (PDF file)(link is external) available.

For more information about the policy and process, see Academic Senate Grade Appeals policy (A207).(link is external)

We highly recommend that you seek assistance throughout this process from the Student Ombuds Office(link is external) and/or the Student Advocate’s Office(link is external)

In general, if you have a concern about how a class is being taught (workload, scheduling, syllabus issues, tone of lectures or critiques, classroom climate, etc.), you may want to begin by discussing the situation with an L&S advisor(link is external), Student Ombuds Office(link is external) or the Student Advocate’s Office(link is external) to review your options and determine how to proceed. You may also want to take your concerns to the course instructor to see whether the issue can be clarified or whether a resolution can be achieved informally.

Students have the right to accommodations for short-term or long-term disabilities. DSP is the place to go for this. In general, if you are dissatisfied with any DSP-related academic accommodations, the fastest process for resolving the issue is for you to directly contact your DSP Specialist. If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached informally, you may initiate a formal resolution by putting your complaint in writing. For more specific information, follow the links below.

• Disabled Students Program Complaint Resolution Process (link is external)

• Disability Compliance Office (link is external)

This procedure should be used for complaints regarding access to student records and for complaints alleging that student records are inaccurate, misleading, inappropriate, or otherwise maintained in violation of student rights to privacy. For more information, follow the link below.

• https://registrar.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/studentrecdisclosure.pdf (PDF file)(link is external)

If you have experienced sexual harassment and/or violence, you are encouraged to first contact the PATH to Care Center,(link is external) which “provides affirming, empowering, and confidential support for those who have experienced gendered violence, including: sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Advocates bring a non-judgmental, caring approach to exploring all options, rights, and resources.” You can reach the PATH to Care Center(link is external) at (510) 642-1988.

• For information and support on reporting sexual violence and sexual harassment, including stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual assault, see Prevention, Response, and Support.(link is external)

• Information about anonymous and confidential reporting of sexual harassment and violence is available on this site(link is external)

• See also the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)  (link is external)

If you have experienced harassment, discrimination, or a hostile environment at UC Berkeley, the number and variety of resources designed to help you may feel overwhelming. The Student Ombuds’ Office(link is external) and/or the Student Advocate’s Office(link is external) can help you sort out which of the following resources would best meet your needs. 

• If you would like to report a hate crime or hate-motivated act, you can do so on this Campus Climate website(link is external)

• The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)(link is external) is responsible for ensuring the University provides an environment for faculty, staff, and students that is free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence. OPHD takes reports alleging discrimination and harassment on the basis of categories including race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation/identity, including allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Students can report an incident by email or phone. You can email ask_ophd@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) to report an incident.

• To learn more about the process of submitting an informal or formal grievance, see the Berkeley Campus Student Grievance Procedure(link is external) on the Student Affairs website.

• If you have complaints about the UC Police Department, see the UCPD Complaint Process(link is external)

• If you have been charged with violating the Code of Student Conduct and face suspension or dismissal from the university, Respondent Services(link is external) can help ensure that you are informed of campus resources and receive assistance with the coordination of services and referrals. Learn more: Violations of campus student conduct rules(link is external)

• University Health Services (UHS)(link is external) offers mental health services to all UC Berkeley students regardless of insurance plan. You may visit the Tang Center for more information and support. If the Tang Center is closed, call the after-hours counseling line (855) 817-5667. 

You may also reach out to the DEI office in your division for support:

• Arts + Humanities

• Biological Sciences

• Mathematical & Physical Sciences

• Social Science

L&S Advising is available to support students with academic questions and concerns. Visit the “Navigate Services” page(link is external) to determine how best to obtain support for common questions and concerns.

Notice (and share with friends) that there are Emergency “Blue Light” Telephone stations located around campus. These can be used to notify UCPD that assistance is needed. If you need help, dial 911 or use a blue light emergency phone (identified by a blue light on top of the phone box or column).