At Bemidji State University, we are committed to creating a campus environment that is inclusive, respectful and free from discrimination for all our students, faculty and staff. The student complaint process outlined below is designed to ensure all concerns and complaints of members of our student body are handled in a prompt and fair manner.
We understand that incidents of discrimination, harassment and injustice can have a significant impact on the individuals involved, as well as the broader community. We take all reports of discrimination seriously and strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who come forward with their experiences. We are here to help resolve these issues.
Please use the procedures outlined below to bring your concerns to our attention.
You can review the policies that govern the student complaint process. The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is available to advise and support students through the student complaint process.
Incident Reporting Forms
We encourage all members of our community to speak up if they witness or experience discrimination, and we will work to address these issues promptly and effectively.
To ensure a safe and inclusive community, we offer various reporting forms for incidents of misconduct, discrimination, violence and distress. Please choose the appropriate form below.
General Incident Report Form
If you witness or experience any violations of university conduct policy, including academic dishonesty, theft, hazing or discrimination, use this form to report the incident.
Sexual Violence Report Form
If you have experienced sexual violence, including sexual assault, non-forcible sex acts, dating or relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment or sexual exploitation, here are the steps you can take:
- In an emergency, contact 911 or Public Safety (218) 755-3888.
- To report a non-emergency sexual violence incident, contact the Investigation Office for Civil Rights by phone (218) 755-4121 or email (titleix@7672049.com) or visit Reporting a Sexual Violence Incident.
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Complaint Form
We believe that diversity is a strength, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where all members are valued and respected.
If you have experienced retaliation or discrimination or harassment based on your sex, race, age, disability, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or status with regard to public assistance, you have the right to file a complaint.
Complaints about acts of discrimination or harassment should be directed to the Investigation Office for Civil Rights by phone (218) 755-4121, email (titleix@7672049.com) or by submitting this form.
A meeting will be scheduled with the Title IX Officer to discuss the situation and next steps. See the Center for Civil Rights: Investigations for more information.
BSU/NTC Confidential Report Form for Sexual Misconduct, Dating/Relationship Violence, Stalking
This form is intended for use by students, employees, faculty, vendors, visitors or other concerned parties of both BSU and NTC to informally or anonymously report specific information related to incident(s) of sexual misconduct, dating/relationship violence and/or stalking.
Student Support Referral Form
By submitting this form, you’ll help us connect students in distress with valuable information about relevant student support resources and timely assistance.
Academic Complaints
These steps outline the complaint processes involving courses, instructors and grades.
Complaints Concerning Courses Policies or Instructors
- Take your complaint directly to your instructor.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by your instructor or are uncomfortable addressing the complaint with your instructor contact the chair of the appropriate academic program.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the program chair or the complaint involves the program chair please fill out a student complaint form and your complaint will be directed to the appropriate college dean.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process contact the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process contact the Office of the President.
At any point in this process you can file an official complaint by filling out a student complaint form. You will then be contacted by the appropriate office.
Appeals of Final Course Grades
- Discuss your grade with the course instructor early in the following semester.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by your instructor, are unable to contact the instructor by email or phone or are uncomfortable addressing the grade appeal with your instructor, contact the chair of the appropriate academic program.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the program chair, you may file a written grade challenge before the end of the following semester. Submit a detailed statement of the reasons for the challenge and any supporting documentation to the University Registrar. A Grade Challenge Review Board will make a recommendation to the provost on your challenge normally within two weeks after receipt of the challenge. The provost’s decision is final and binding on all parties.
Other Complaints About Bemidji State University Employees or Offices
Note: These steps outline a process for filing complaints that do not involve courses, instructors or acts of discrimination or harassment.
- Take your complaint directly to the employee/office involved.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the employee/office involved or are uncomfortable addressing the complaint with them contact the employee’s immediate supervisor or office supervisor.
- If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the employee’s immediate supervisor or office supervisor, fill out a student complaint form and your complaint will be directed to the appropriate university vice president.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process, contact the Office of the President.
At any point in this process you can file an official complaint by filling out a student complaint form. You will then be contacted by the appropriate office.
Complaints about the Behavior(s) of Another Students
At any point in this process, you can file an official complaint by filling out a student complaint form. You will then be contacted by the appropriate office.
- If the behavior is criminal in nature or is an immediate threat, please call 911 or BSU Public Safety (218) 755-3888.
- For student behavior that is not an emergency, please fill out a student complaint form and contact the Vice President of Student Life and Success at (218) 755-2075.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process, contact the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- If you are not satisfied and wish to continue the appeal process contact the Office of the President.