complaints

As a Ryerson student, you have the right to complain without fear of reprisal. In other words, your grades should not suffer simply because you decided to bring forward a concern. If you feel you are being penalized for complaining, you can contact us for advice on how to handle your situation.

You should consider the various options for bringing forward a complaint and familiarize yourself with the university's policies and procedures. You can find more information about complaints in the Student Guide, or consult with your Chair or Program Director, a student advocate (RSU or CESAR), Discrimination and Harrassment Prevention Services or the Office of the Ombudsperson.

Remember to keep a record of who you contacted and when and what you talked about. It is also important to keep copies of any documents which you have provided to the University and to confirm any resolutions in writing.

Be aware that complaints that are false and/or malicious may constitute a violation of the Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct and Ryerson's Discrimination and Harrassment Policy.

How do I make a complaint about a course or professor?

It is important that you deal with situations which affect your academic performance as soon as possible. Unresolved problems generally get worse. Specific information concerning complaints may be found in your Department or Program Handbook. For example, the Sociology Department has a Policy on Student Complaints as well as Complaints Regarding Coursework. Relevant information about the structures, processes, objectives, and requirements that pertain to Ryerson course can be found in the Course Management Policy.

STEP 1: We would recommend that whenever possible you first try to resolve the issue at its source. In other words, start by speaking to your instructor about your concerns.

STEP 2: If the issue is not resolved after you speak to your instructor, or you are reluctant to deal directly with your instructor because of the nature of your complaint, you can speak to the Chair/Program Director of the Department the course is in. For complaints of a more general nature, you may want to speak with the Chair/Program Director of your department.

In general, you can ask the Chair to discuss an issue confidentially (i.e. the Chair would not take any action without your permission) or you can request that the Chair formally investigate your concern.

STEP 3: In some situations it may be appropriate to escalate your concern to the Dean of the Faculty the Department is in, the Provost or VP Academic or the President.

How do I make a non-academic complaint (e.g. about a staff member or an administrative process)?

Step 1: Raise your concern with the individual staff member involved

STEP 2: If the issue is not resolved after you speak to the staff member, or you are reluctant to deal directly with the staff member because of the nature of your complaint, you can contact the supervisor/manager. Ask for their contact information.

STEP 3: In some situations it may be appropriate to escalate your concern to the Director of Student Services, the Vice Provost, Students, the Vice-Provost Faculty Affairs, or the President.

How do I notify the University that I have been sexually harrassed or discriminated against***?

You should contact Discrimination and Harrassment Prevention Services to discuss your situation.

***Please note that if you have experienced a sexual or other assault, you may also contact the Centre for Student Development and Counselling, Ryerson Security or the Toronto Police (In an emergency, dial 911).