Postgraduate advocacy at Griffith University
Feel you have a legitimate grievance that needs more in-depth handling than normal channels provide? Your Postgraduate Association can assist you.
Grievances
Our objective is to help postgraduate students to resolve problems that are hindering their progress. Generally (but not exclusively) we assist you with grievances that would form the basis of an appeal which would come before the University Appeals Committee - see the Student Grievances and Appeals website.
We can advise and support members before they commence the often lengthy and stressful procedure of a formal appeal.
Grievances brought to our attention are handled by our Grievance Advisor - Each grievance is dealt with on a confidential, case-by-case basis, within the following guidelines -
The Grievance Advisor will:
- give an opinion on whether the grievance is justified
- advise what personal action should be taken by the member
- make representations to other parties on members' behalf in appropriate circumstances
- support members by accompanying them as observers at interviews with Course Convenors, Supervisors, Heads of Schools or Deans (If a confidential interview is requested a student's right to confidentiality is observed)
- advise members to approach any interview with concise notes of the issues they need to raise
- keep a record of grievances in our office including relevant details of advice given and any action taken of which they are aware
- advise members that they should keep their own record of steps taken to resolve the grievance, together with relevant correspondence
The Grievance Advisor will not:
- discuss a member's grievances with a third party or disclose their identity without their consent
- take any action on members' behalf without their consent.
If you have a concern that is affecting your studies yet you do not wish to take the matter further with the people involved for some reason, it could help to talk with the Grievance Advisor.
Like other Committee members they are postgraduates themselves and do not work at the office full-time... so if you miss them there, leave a message and they will contact you as soon as possible.
Student appeals
If mediation fails, there are several formal avenues of appeal which can be followed.