Student Concerns and Emergencies
Hunter College is committed to treating all students fairly and respectfully. The College recognizes that disputes may sometimes arise and requests that the parties involved resolve conflicts informally whenever possible. Students are encouraged to speak directly with the person or department with whom they have a concern and work together toward a resolution.
If needed, the concern can be raised to the School of Education level by emailing the Office of Academic & Student Affairs at soe.oasa@hunter.cuny.edu. The communication should outline any steps you have taken to resolve the concern up until the time of the message.
For concerns on the grade appeal process and special circumstances, please review the Appeals, Special Circumstances and Transcript Requests page for information.
Concern Procedures
Academic integrity is a guiding principle of the Hunter College learning community because all students should have the opportunity to learn and perform on a level playing field.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, obtaining an unfair advantage, and falsifying records or documents whether intentional or not.
Definitions and Examples of Academic Dishonesty
To report a concern regarding Academic Integrity, speak with the course faculty or contact the department chairperson for the course.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to utilize the Behavioral Response Team (BRT) when they observe behavior by a student that concerns them. Examples of behavior appropriate for a BRT referral include:
- Acts of hatred or discrimination
- Expression of hopelessness
- Incidents of bullying
- Significant changes in mood, class attendance, or engagement
- Unusual or erratic behavior in class
- Verbal or written threats
- Written work or communication containing troubling themes or references, such as fantasies of violence
- Suicidal Ideation- If risk is imminent, contact Public Safety at 212.772.4444
To alert the BRT about a concern, please complete and submit the BRT Referral Form.
Informal Resolution
Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve complaints informally with the faculty member or to seek the assistance of the department chairperson or campus ombudsman to facilitate informal resolution.
Formal Complaint
If the student does not pursue informal resolution, or if informal resolution is unsuccessful, the student may file a written complaint with the department chairperson or, if the chairperson is the subject of the complaint, with the academic dean soedean@hunter.cuny.edu.
The complaint shall be filed within 30 calendar days of the alleged conduct unless there is good cause shown for delay, including but not limited to delay caused by an attempt at informal resolution. The complaint shall be as specific as possible in describing the conduct complained of.
The Office of Diversity and Compliance responds to complaints of or concerns about prohibited conduct, including harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, or status as victim of domestic violence.
If you are a Hunter College student, faculty, staff or applicant for employment and you believe you have been discriminated against or have observed discrimination or harassment, you may contact the Office of Diversity and Compliance for a confidential consultation or to:
- Engage in informal discussion for resolution,
- Explore options,
- Seek assistance in negotiation/mediation,
- File an internal complaint.
- All Inquiries Are Confidential
Hunter College Non-Discrimination Policies
Contact
John T. Rose, Dean for Diversity and Compliance
Office of Diversity and Compliance
Room East 1700
(212) 772-4242
CUNY’s goal is to maintain a safe environment free of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment and sexual violence (which may include stalking and dating, domestic and intimate partner violence in certain circumstances).
Important Information & Resources for Victims/Survivors of Sexual Violence
The Hunter College Student Complaint Form should not be submitted to address the above areas of concern.
If you have already attempted to resolve your concern at the individual, departmental or School of Education by contacting the Office of Academic & Student Affairs at soe.oasa@hunter.cuny.edu you may also submit your concern on the form below.
The Hunter College Student Complaint Form is not meant to replace the steps above, only to add an additional process for convenience. If resolution cannot be reached at the individual, departmental or School of Education level, the Student Complaint Form provides a more formal complaint process to assure impartial and equitable resolution.
Emergency Support and Resources
Hunter College is dedicated to the health, wellness and safety of our student body. Visit the Emergency Support and Resources page for emergency resources that are open and available to all currently enrolled students; if they are relevant to your situation, we urge you to make use of them.
Hunter College Welfare Rights Initiative
Welfare Rights Initiative (WRI) is a grassroots student advocacy and community leadership training organization, located at Hunter College, City University of New York. WRI organizes Hunter with firsthand experience of poverty to create and defend fair and just policies for all CUNY students. WRI exemplifies a democratic and inclusive process in its work to create economic stability, empowerment and dignity for all families. We believe families receiving welfare should not have to choose between their survival and a chance to lift themselves and their children to higher ground through higher education.