Procedures for Handling Student CONCERNS REGARDING Members of the Faculty
If you have an issue with a professor, the Student Ombudsman will suggest steps for you to take toward resolving any conflict quickly and informally. Depending on the situation, these steps may feel inappropriate or uncomfortable. If that is the case, do not hesitate to speak with the Student Ombudsman about trying a different route.
At any point during this process, you are more than welcome to meet with the Student Ombudsman and discuss your concerns.
Step 1: Talk to the Professor or Instructor of Record
Often conflicts are a result of misunderstandings or miscommunications and can be resolved with a simple conversation. Approach the situation with an open mind and a positive attitude.
If the professor is unresponsive or you do not feel satisfied with the results of your efforts, then . . .
Step 2: Talk to the Department Chair
The Department Chair of the particular department in which you are experiencing a conflict can be very helpful. Department Chairs know the professors within their departments well and have a strong understanding of the policies within that department.
Additionally, other students may be experiencing problems similar to yours, and it is helpful for the Department Chair to be fully aware of the extent of student concerns.
If you are feeling unsatisfied after speaking with the Department Chair, then . . .
Step 3: Talk to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (see list below)
Each College within San Diego State University has an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. The Assistant Deans have a broad knowledge of the policies within their respective colleges, and they work specifically to enhance students’ college experiences.
If you feel the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs is unable to help you to your satisfaction, then...
Step 4: Meet with the Student Ombudsman
The Student Ombudsman will work with you directly to help you figure out your options and the appropriate next steps.
The student can return to the Office of the Student Ombudsman as many times as they need in order to feel that their issue has been addressed.
This process exists to help students resolve concerns on the most informal level possible – often salvaging student/faculty relationships and saving students’ time in the long run.
Additionally, students must exhaust informal levels of redress before filing a formal grievance with the Student Grievance Committee (for more information please see Student Grievance Code and Student Grievance Committee Procedures).
Assistant Deans for Student Affairs
Aileen Taylor, College of Arts and Letters
- Office Location: Arts and Letters, Deans Office
- Phone: 619-594-5158
- E-mail: [email protected]
Tam Lieu, Fowler College of Business
- Office Location: Lamden Hall (LH), Room 419
- Phone: 619-594-7811
- E-mail: [email protected]
Patricia Lozada-Santone, College of Education
- Office Location: Lamden Hall (LH), Room 346
- Phone: 619-594-1426
- E-mail: [email protected]
Theresa Garcia, College of Engineering
- Office Location: Engineering, Room 200C
- Phone: 619-594-5807
- E-mail: [email protected]
Mahasweta Sarkar, Senior Associate Dean of Global Campus
- Office Location: Gateway Center, Room 2503
- Phone: (619) 594-7797
- E-mail: [email protected]
Jason Ramirez, College of Health and Human Services
- Office Location: Education, Room 154
- Phone: 619-594-0888
- E-mail: [email protected]
Henry Villegas, Dean of Students, Imperial Valley Campus
- Office Location: Student Affairs Building
- Phone: 760-768-5598
- E-mail: [email protected]
Lanie Lockwood, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
- Office Location: Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA), Room 212
- Phone: 619-594-6928
- E-mail: [email protected]
Estralita Martin, College of Sciences
- Office Location: Geology, Math & Computer Science (GMCS), Room 321
- Phone: 619-594-1204
- E-mail: [email protected]
Michelle Lopez, Division of Faculty Advancement and Student Success
- Office Location: Administration Building, Room 101
- Phone: 619-594-2871
- E-mail: [email protected]
Andrew Bohonak, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies
- Office Location: Student Services East, room 1410
- Phone: 619-594-5213
- E-mail: [email protected]
