College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

6.   GRIEVANCE AND HEARING PROCEDURES

6.1.   All faculty members and students shall have the right to due process in settling grievances which may arise.

6.2.   Procedures for resolving faculty grievances are outlined in the revised Faculty Grievance Procedures approved by the Academic Council on March 5, 1991 and by the Board of Trustees on April 5, 1991 and revised on June 9, 1995.

6.3.   Student/Academic Grievance Committee and Procedure

The Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University (AFR) and the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR) documents establish the rights and responsibilities of MSU students and prescribe procedures for resolving allegations of violations of those rights (including grade appeals) through formal grievance hearings. In accordance with the AFR and the GSRR, the Department of Horticulture has established the following Academic Grievance Hearing Board procedures for adjudicating academic grievances and complaints. (See AFR Article 6 and 7; GSRR 5.4.1.)               

6.3.1.   Jurisdiction of the Department of Horticulture (HRT) Academic Grievance Hearing Board

6.3.1.1.     The Horticulture Department’s Academic Grievance Hearing Board serves as the initial Hearing Board for academic grievance hearings involving graduate and undergraduate students who allege violations of academic rights and graduate students seeking to contest an allegation of academic misconduct (academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards or falsifying admission and academic records). (See AFR 6.I.A and 7.I.B; GSRR 2.3.9 and 5.1.1.) N.B. undergraduate students will use the new University Academic Integrity Hearing Board to contest allegations of academic misconduct.

6.3.1.2.     Students may not request an academic grievance hearing based on an allegation of incompetent instruction. (AFR 2.II.A-D; GSRR 2.2.2 and 2.2.4.)

6.3.1.3.     The presiding officer shall be the Department Chairperson or his/her designee.

6.3.1.4.     Alternate members. Faculty alternates to the chairperson/director of the Program Committees will include either the Coordinator of the Two-Year Program or the Graduate Enrollment Officer. The secretary of the Department Advisory Committee shall serve as alternate to the Chairperson.  The student alternates will include either the vice-president of the Student Horticulture Association or the graduate student representative from the Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS) to departmental faculty meetings. An alternate shall serve whenever the regular member is  absent from the University on a permanent basis or on a temporary basis for  a period in excess of three months, or the regular member is directly involved in the grievance.

6.3.2.   Composition of the Academic Grievance Hearing Board

6.3.2.1.   The Department of Horticulture shall constitute an Academic Grievance Hearing Board (AGHB) no later than the end of the tenth week of the spring semester. Academic Grievance Hearing Board members will be appointed by the department chairperson following consultation with the Department Advisory Committee (DAC), and the presidents of the Horticulture Club (HC) and the Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS). The AGHB shall be composed of three (3) faculty members (at least two tenure stream), one of which (the chair) will be the department’s representative to the College Grievance Committee, one of which will be the director of the department’s Undergraduate Program Committee and the other will be the chairperson of the Graduate Program Committee; two (2) undergraduate students, one of which will be the president of the HC; and two (2) graduate students, one of which will be the president of HOGS. The faculty members shall serve 3-year terms, and are eligible for reappointment. The student organizations, which identify AGHB members, will determine their term length and reappointment eligibility. (See AFR 6.II.B, C, and D; GSRR 5.1.3 and 5.1.6.) 

6.3.2.2.   For hearings involving graduate students, the Academic Grievance Hearing Board shall include the Chair of the AGHB and an equal number of graduate students and faculty, including the chairperson of the Graduate Program Committee, or designee (see GSRR 5.1.2, 5.1.5 and 5.1.6.). For hearings involving undergraduate students, the Academic Grievance Hearing Board shall include the chair of the AGHB and an equal number of undergraduate students and faculty members, including the director of the Undergraduate Program Committee.

6.3.2.3.   The Chair of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board shall be a Hearing Board member with faculty rank. All members of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board shall have a vote, except the Chair, who shall vote only in the event of a tie. (See AFR 6.II.C; GSRR 5.1.3, and 5.1.5.)

6.3.2.4.   The Horticulture Department will train hearing board members about these procedures and the applicable sections of the AFR and GSRR. (See AFR 7.IV.C; GSRR 5.1.3.)

6.3.3.   Referral to the Academic Grievance Hearing Board

6.3.3.1.    After consulting with the instructor and appropriate unit administrator, undergraduate or graduate students whom remain dissatisfied with their attempt to resolve an allegation of violating student academic rights may request an academic grievance hearing. When appropriate, the Department chairperson, in consultation with the Dean, may waive jurisdiction and refer the request for a hearing to the College Hearing Board. At any time in the grievance process, students may consult with the University Ombudsperson. (See AFR 7.III.A, 7.IV.H; GSRR 5.3.)

6.3.3.2.   After consulting with the instructor and appropriate unit administrator, graduate students who remain dissatisfied with their attempt to resolve an allegation of a violation of academic misconduct (academic dishonesty, violations of professional standards or falsifying admission and academic records) may request an academic grievance hearing. When appropriate, the Department chairperson, in consultation with the Dean, may waive jurisdiction and refer the request for a hearing to the College Hearing Board. At any time in the grievance process, students may consult with the University Ombudsperson. (See AFR 7.III.A, 7.IV.H; GSRR 5.3.)

6.3.3.3.   In cases of ambiguous jurisdiction, the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education will select the appropriate Hearing Board for hearings involving undergraduate students, and the Dean of The Graduate School will select the appropriate Hearing Board for cases involving graduate students. (See AFR 7.III.B; GSRR 5.3.)

6.3.3.4.   The deadline for submitting the written request for a hearing is the middle of the semester following the alleged violation (excluding summer). If either the student (the complainant) or the respondent (usually, the instructor or an administrator) is absent from the university during that semester, or if other appropriate reasons emerge, the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board may grant an extension of this deadline. If the university no longer employs the respondent before the grievance hearing commences, the hearing may still proceed. (See AFR 7.III.C; GSRR 5.3.6.1.)

6.3.3.5.   A written request for an academic grievance hearing must (i) specify the alleged violation(s) of academic rights in sufficient detail to justify a hearing, (ii) identify the individual against whom the grievance is filed (the respondent) and (iii) state the desired redress. Anonymous grievances will not be accepted. (See AFR 7.III.B and C, AFR footnote 35.)

6.3.4.   Pre-Hearing Procedures

6.3.4.1.   After receiving a student's written request for a hearing, the chairperson of the HRT Department will promptly refer the grievance to the Chair of the Hearing Board. (See AFR 7.IV.D.1; GSRR 5.3.2, 5.4.3.)

6.3.4.2.  Within five (5) class days, the Chair of the Hearing Board will:

6.3.4.2.1. forward the request for a hearing to the respondent;

6.3.4.2.2. send the names of the pool of Hearing Board members to both parties and, to avoid conflicts of interest between the two parties and the Hearing Board members, request written challenges, if any, within three (3) class days of this notification;

6.3.4.2.3. rule promptly on any challenges, impanel a Hearing Board and send each party the names of the Hearing Board members. If the Chair of the Hearing Board is the subject of a challenge, the challenge shall be filed with the Department chairperson (See AFR 7.IV.D; GSRR 5.1.7.); and

6.3.4.2.4. send the Hearing Board members a copy of the request for a hearing (and try to send all parties a copy of these procedures at the same time).

6.3.4.3.  Within five (5) class days of being established, the Hearing Board shall review the request, and after considering all submitted information, the Hearing Board will:

6.3.4.3.1. accept the request, in full or in part, and promptly schedule a hearing.                       

6.3.4.3.2. reject the request and provide a written explanation to appropriate parties; e.g., lack of jurisdiction. (The student may appeal this decision; Read GSRR 5.1.7 carefully; unlike the GSRR, the AFR does not allow for challenges without cause)

6.3.4.3.3. invite the two parties to meet with the Hearing Board in an informal session to try to resolve the matter. (Such a meeting does not preclude a later hearing.)(See AFR 7.IV.D.4 and AFR footnote 35; GSRR 5.4.6.)

6.3.4.4.  If the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board calls for a hearing, the Chair of the Hearing Board shall promptly negotiate a hearing date and schedule an additional meeting only for the Hearing Board should additional deliberations on the findings become necessary.

6.3.4.5.  At least five (5) class days before the scheduled hearing, the Chair of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board shall notify the respondent and the complainant in writing of the (i) time, date, and place of the hearing; (ii) the names of the parties to the grievance; (iii) a copy of the hearing request and the respondent's reply. (See AFR 7.IV.D.5; GSRR 5.4.7.)

6.3.4.6.  At least three (3) class days before the scheduled hearing, the parties must notify the Chair of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board the names of their witnesses and advisor, if any, and request permission for the advisor to have voice at the hearing. The Chair will promptly forward the names given by the complainant to the respondent and visa versa. (See AFR 7.IV.D.6; GSRR 5.4.7.1.)

6.3.4.7.  The Chair of the Hearing Board may accept written statements from either party's witnesses at least three (3) class days before the hearing. (See AFR 7.IV.D.10.)

6.3.4.8.  In unusual circumstances and in lieu of a personal appearance, either party may request permission to submit a written statement to the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board or request permission to participate in the hearing through an electronic communication channel. Written statements must be submitted to the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board at least three (3) class days before the scheduled hearing. (See AFR 7.IV.D.9; GSRR 5.4.9c.)

6.3.4.9.  Either party to the grievance hearing may request a postponement of the hearing. The HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board may either grant or deny the request. (See AFR 7.IV.D.8; GSRR 5.4.8.)

6.3.4.10. At its discretion, the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board may set a reasonable time limit (e.g., not more than 20 minutes) for each party to present its case, and the Chair of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board must inform the parties of such a time limit in the written notification of the hearing.

6.3.4.11. Hearings are closed unless the student requests an open hearing, which would be open to all members of the MSU community. The HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board may close an open hearing to protect the confidentiality of information or to maintain order. (See AFR 7.IV.D.13; GSRR 5.4.10.4.)

6.3.4.12. Members of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board are expected to respect the confidentiality of the hearing process. (AFR 7.IV.D.13, 7.IV.F.)

6.3.5.   Hearing Procedures

6.3.5.1.  The Hearing will proceed as follows:

6.3.5.1.1.  Introductory remarks by the Chair of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board: The Chair of the Hearing Board introduces hearing panel members, the complainant, the respondent and advisors, if any. The Chair reviews the hearing procedures, including announced time restraints for presentations by each party and the witnesses, and informs the parties if their advisors may have a voice in the hearings and if the proceedings are being recorded. Witnesses shall be excluded from the proceedings except when testifying. The Chair also explains:

In academic grievance hearings in which a student alleges a violation of academic rights, the student bears the burden of proof.

In hearings involving graduate students seeking to contest allegations of academic misconduct, the instructor bears the burden of proof. Note: undergraduate students must go before the (new) University Academic Integrity Hearing Board to contest allegations of academic misconduct.

All Hearing Board decisions must be reached by a majority of the Hearing Board, based on a "preponderance of the evidence." (See AFR 7.IV.D.14, Footnote 37; GSRR 5.4.10.1. For various definitions, see AFR Article 11 and GSRR Article 8.)

6.3.5.1.2.  If the complainant fails to appear in person or via an electronic channel at a scheduled hearing, the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board may either postpone the hearing or dismiss the case for demonstrated cause. (See AFR 7.IV.D.11; GSRR 5.4.9a.)

6.3.5.1.3.  If the respondent fails to appear in person or via an electronic channel at a scheduled hearing, the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board may postpone the hearing, hear the case in the respondent's absence, or dismiss the case. (See AFR 7.IV.D.11; GSRR 5.4.9-b.)

6.3.5.1.4.  If the respondent is absent from the University during the semester of the grievance hearing or no longer employed by the University before the grievance procedure concludes, the hearing process may still proceed. (See AFR 7.III.C; GSRR 5.3.6.1.)

6.3.5.1.5.  To assure orderly questioning, the Chair of the Hearing Board will recognize individuals before they speak. All parties have a right to speak without interruption. Each party has a right to question the other party and to rebut any oral or written statements submitted to the Hearing Board. (See AFR 7.IV.D.16; GSRR 5.4.10.2.)

6.3.5.1.6.  Presentation by the Complainant: The Chair recognizes the complainant to present without interruption any statements relevant to the complainant's case, including the redress sought. The Chair then recognizes questions directed at the complainant by the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board, the respondent and the respondent's advisor, if any.

6.3.5.1.7.  Presentation by the Complainant's Witnesses: The Chair recognizes the complainant's witnesses, if any, to present, without interruption, any statement relevant to the complainant's case. The Chair then recognizes questions directed at the witnesses by the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board, the respondent, and the respondent's advisor, if any.

6.3.5.1.8.  Presentation by the Respondent: The Chair recognizes the respondent to present without interruption any statements relevant to the respondent's case. The Chair then recognizes questions directed at the respondent by the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board, the complainant, and the complainant's advisor, if any.

6.3.5.1.9.  Presentation by the Respondent's Witnesses: The Chair recognizes the respondent's witnesses, if any, to present, without interruption, and statement relevant to the respondent's case. The Chair then recognizes questions directed at the witnesses by the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board, the complainant, and the complainant's advisor, if any.

6.3.5.1.10. Rebuttal and Closing Statement by Complainant: The complainant refutes statements by the respondent, the respondent's witnesses and advisor, if any, and presents a final summary statement.

6.3.5.1.11. Rebuttal and Closing Statement by Respondent: The respondent refutes statements by the complainant, the complainant's witnesses and advisor, if any, and presents a final summary statement.

6.3.5.1.12. Final questions by the Hearing Board: The HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board asks questions of any of the participants in the hearing.

6.3.6.   Post-Hearing Procedures

6.3.6.1.  Deliberation:

After all evidence has been presented, with full opportunity for explanations, questions and rebuttal, the Chair of the Hearing Board shall excuse all parties to the grievance and convene the Hearing Board to determine its findings in executive session. When possible, deliberations should take place directly following the hearing and/or at the previously scheduled follow-up meeting. (See Section III.I above.)

6.3.6.2.  Decision:

6.3.6.2.1.  In grievance (non-disciplinary) hearings involving undergraduate and graduate students and a majority of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board finds, based on a "preponderance of the evidence," that a violation of the student's academic rights has occurred and that redress is possible, it shall direct the chairperson of the Department to implement an appropriate remedy, in consultation with the Hearing Board. If the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board finds that no violation of academic rights has occurred, it shall so inform the Department chairperson. (See AFR 7.IV.D and E; GSRR 5.4.11.)

6.3.6.2.2.  In grievance (non-disciplinary) hearings involving graduate students in which the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board serves as the initial hearing body to adjudicate an allegation of academic dishonesty and, based on a "preponderance of the evidence," the Hearing Board finds for the student, the Hearing Board shall recommend to the chairperson of the Department that the penalty grade be removed, the Academic Dishonesty Report be removed from the student's records and a "good faith judgment" of the student's academic performance in the course take place. If the Hearing Board finds for the complainant (instructor), the penalty grade shall stand and the Academic Dishonesty Report regarding the allegation will remain on file, pending an appeal, if any, within five (5) class days, of the Department Hearing Board's decision to the College Hearing Board. If an academic disciplinary hearing is pending, and the Hearing Board decides for the complainant, the graduate student's disciplinary hearing before either the College Hearing Board or the Dean of The Graduate School would promptly follow, pending an appeal, if any, within five (5) class days. (See GSRR 5.4.12.3; also see AFR 7.V and GSRR 5.5 for academic disciplinary hearings involving undergraduate and graduate students.)

6.3.6.3.  Written Report:

The Chair of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board shall prepare a written report of the Hearing Board's findings, including redress for the complainant, if applicable, or sanctions, if applicable, and forward a copy of the decision to the appropriate unit administrator within three (3) class days of the hearing. The report shall indicate the rationale for the decision and the major elements of evidence, or lack thereof, that support the Hearing Board's decision. The report also should inform the parties of the right to appeal within five (5) class days following notice of the decision. The Chair shall forward copies to the parties involved, the responsible administrators, the University Ombudsperson and, in hearings involving graduate students, the Dean of The Graduate School. All recipients must respect the confidentiality of the report and of the hearing board's deliberations resulting in a decision. (See AFR 7.IV.E and F; GSRR 5.4.11.)

6.3.7.   Appeal of Academic Grievance Hearing Board Decision

6.3.7.1.  In hearings involving undergraduate students, either party may appeal the decision of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board to the University Academic Appeal Board in cases involving academic grievances alleging violations of student rights. (See AFR 6.IV.A and 7.VII.)

6.3.7.2.  In hearings involving graduate students, either party may appeal a decision by the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board to the College Hearing Board for cases involving (1) academic grievances alleging violations of student rights heard initially by the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board and (2) alleged violations of regulations involving academic misconduct (academic dishonesty, professional standards or falsification of admission and academic records). (See GSRR 5.4.12.)

6.3.7.3.  All appeals must be in writing, signed and submitted to the Chair of either the University Academic Appeal Board or the College Hearing Board within 5 class days following notification of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board's decision. While under appeal, the original decision of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board will be held in abeyance. (See AFR 7.VII.A; GSRR 5.4.12, 5.4.12.2 and 5.4.12.3.)

6.3.7.4.  A request for an appeal of a HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board decision to either the University Academic Appeal Board or the College Hearing Board must allege, in sufficient particularity to justify a hearing, that the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board failed to follow applicable procedures for adjudicating the hearing or that findings of the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board were not supported by the "preponderance of the evidence." The request also must include the redress sought. Presentation of new evidence normally will be inappropriate. (See AFR 7.VII.A and B; GSRR 5.4.12.1, 5.4.12.2 and 5.4.12.4.)

6.3.8.   Reconsideration

If new evidence should arise, either party to a hearing may request the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board to reconsider the case within 30 days upon receipt of the hearing outcome. The written request for reconsideration is to be sent to the Chair of the Hearing Board, who shall promptly convene the HRT Academic Grievance Hearing Board to review the new material and render a decision on a new hearing. (See AFR 7.IV.G; GSRR 5.4.13.)

6.3.9.   File Copy

The Chair of the Department of Horticulture will forward a copy of these procedures to the Office of the Ombudsperson and The Graduate School. (See AFR 7.IV.A; GSRR 5.4.1.)