From the Interim President

At the May 9, 2025 meeting, the Buffalo State Senate voted to recommend to the interim president the adoption of the following revision to DOPS policy I:17:01:   

Whereas, Buffalo State University recognizes the importance of maintaining clear, equitable, and accessible policies for student appeals, grievances, and complaints; and  

Whereas, the updated policy expands the scope to include student complaints and grievances beyond academic matters, ensuring a more comprehensive support system; and  

Whereas, the revised policy emphasizes documentation of extenuating circumstances and introduces review by the Academic Appeals Committee to ensure fairness and consistency; and  

Whereas, the original policy provided minimal guidance on academic grievance procedures, the updated version offers a policy for initiating grievances, encourages informal resolution, and advises students to retain relevant academic materials; and  

Whereas, the original policy suggested informal resolution through the Dean of Students Office without addressing formal complaints; the updated policy includes the Office of Conduct and Community Standards, provides clarity on the policy for filing a complaint against students, and  

Whereas, the original policy did not address complaints related to distance learning, the new section outlines procedures for both New York and non-New York residents and includes contact information for SUNY System Administration and NYSED, ensuring equitable access to complaint resolution; and  

Whereas, the original policy referenced NYSED with limited options for filing complaints, the updated policy expands external complaint options to include SUNY Central Administration and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, providing students with multiple avenues for resolution, to align with SUNY policies.   

Therefore, be it resolved that Buffalo State University formally adopts the revised Academic Appeals Policy to enhance clarity, fairness, and accessibility for all students.  

I accept the recommendation from the Buffalo State Senate regarding the revision of DOPS policy I:17:01 Academic Appeals. I charge the Provost and the Vice President for Student Affairs to jointly oversee the implementation of this resolution and to communicate it widely to the appropriate offices and individuals.  I thank the Standards for Students Committee and the Chair for this recommendation, and the Senate and the Senate Chair for their diligence in bringing this resolution forth.