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The Grievance Division


> University Grievances

> Graduate Appeals

> Sexual Harassment

> Sexual Assault

> Hate Crimes


Grievance Resources

About the Grievances Division
The Grievance Division provides assistance with filing complaints that are unrelated to academics, financial aid matters, or student conduct proceedings. Our services include help with writing harassment claims, UCPD complaints, and University grievances, as well as assistance in pursuing disputes without pre-established procedures.

Please see below for information on how to handle grievance-related matters. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.



University Grievances
If you have been discriminated against by any entity within the University, you may file a grievance with the Office of Student Affairs. This procedure specifically applies to acts of discrimination on the basis of color, race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

If you believe you have been discriminated against:

(1) Visit http://students.berkeley.edu/uga/grievance.stm. Read over the grievance procedure to understand what steps are involved.

(2) You should attempt to resolve the complaint informally. You may seek support from the Student Advocate’s Office or from the University Ombudsperson.

(3) Document your situation. Be sure to collect any evidence that will support your claim.

(4) Fill out the grievance form, located at the bottom of the grievance procedure website. Submit the form to the department in which the violation occurred, within sixty days of the date of the incident.

(5) If you are unsatisfied with the department’s decision regarding your complaint, you may file a formal student grievance to the Office of Student Affairs.


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Graduate Appeals
You should file a graduate appeal if you have a complaint regarding:

Dismissal from graduate standing;

Placement on probationary status;

Denial of readmission to the same program;

Joint authorship of research;

Other administrative or academic decisions that terminate or otherwise impede progress towards your academic or professional degree goals.

For information on how to file a graduate appeal, visit: http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/degrees/pdf/gradappeal.pdf.


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Sexual Harassment
If you have been sexually harassed:

(1) Dial 9-11 if you are in immediate danger.

(2) Go to a safe place. Avoid all contact with the harasser.

(3) Identify an advocate – someone that can give emotional support and help with reporting the incident You may seek assistance from the Student Advocate's Office or the Gender Equity Resource Center.

(4) If you feel it is appropriate, report the incident.

(5) Allow yourself space and time to recover. Don’t blame yourself.

For more information on sexual harassment and what to do if you are victimized, visit: http://equity.chance.berkeley.edu/procedures.shtml.


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Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted:

(1) Dial 9-11 if you are in immediate danger.

(2) Go to a safe place. Avoid all contact with the aggressor.

(3) Seek medical attention. As soon as possible, go to a hospital or the Urgent Care center at Tang to be examined and treated for any injuries.

(4) Report the assault to police and university officials whether or not you plan to file charges. Reporting a rape does not commit you to filing charges.

Identify an advocate – someone that can give emotional support and help with reporting the incident. You may seek assistance from the Student Advocate's Office or the Gender Equity Resource Center. Consider having this person go with you to report the incident.

(5) Decide whether you would like to press formal charges. This is an important process, but it can also be long and painful so you must be prepared for it.

(6) Allow yourself space and time to recover. Don’t blame yourself.

For more information on sexual assault and what to do if you are victimized, visit: http://uhs.berkeley.edu/students/medical/sexualassault.


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Hate Crimes Reporting
If you have been victimized by a hate crime:

(1) Seek medical attention for any injuries.

(2) Document the incident. Write a factual description of the incident, including the date and time it occurred.

(3) Get support as needed. Document the situation, and seek help from a campus resource such as the Campus Climate and Compliance Office or the Student Advocate's Office.

(4) Consider reporting the incident to UCPD or another reporting agency.

For more information on hate crimes and what to do if you are victimized, visit: http://stophate.berkeley.edu.


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Useful Links

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

UC Police Dept
UCPD Complaints

Disabled Students Program

Hate & Bias Taskforce

Gender Equity Resource

Sexual Harassment Peer Assistance

UC Sexual Harassment Policy

Campus Climate and Compliance Office

University Health Services

Graduate Division