• About your Union — Who's who, what we do and how it works
• Ents — clubnights and events
• Events in Cambridge — What's on?
• Student Life Directory — Societies and other groups at Cam Uni
• Services — Photocopying, minibuses and more
• Societies — Directory, information and resources
• Campaigns — Campaigns and volunteering
• Welfare — information, support and advocacy
• Education — information, support and advocacy
  • Academic Affairs officer briefings
  • CamExams
  • Complaints
  • Education campaigns
  • Education Team
  • Faculty Board Members
  • Individual student support
  • Interrupting your studies
  • Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Mature Students
  • QAA Audit 2008 - Student Written Submission
  • Study Skills support
• Student officers — Supporting JCRs/MCRs
• Prospective students — Applying to Cambridge?
• Publications — TCS, Handbooks, more
• Business — Student marketing opportunities
• Contacts — Get in touch

You are in:  Home » Academic Affairs support » Complaints

Complaints

University Complaints Procedure

The University now has a Student Complaints Procedure.

What to do if you have problems

At some point during your time here you may experience academic problems or find the system frustrating or unfulfilling. For instance, supervisions are meant to develop skills of independent thought, argument and research. In practice, though, some people find them intimidating at first, not conducive to developing their interests or improving their work. Many colleges produce guidelines on what to expect from your supervisor and Director of Studies (DoS).

When you do encounter problems it is vital to tell someone and provide feedback. The education network (made up of CUSU Officers, Faculty Reps and college Academic Affairs Officers) exists to ensure students' concerns are communicated to and acted on by the relevant people. Colleges should also provide a chance to give feedback through academic assessment forms. All faculties have lecture feedback forms - use them. If you have a problem with your supervisions see your DoS. Problems with your DoS (especially if they're also your supervisor) should be directed at your college Tutor and then your Senior Tutor. At any stage, you can also talk to your college Academic Affairs Officer (or someone else on your JCR if there isn't one - usually President or External Officer), Faculty Rep or come to CUSU.

Supervision partners, supervisors and DoSs can be changed if you feel your education is being adversely affected. It is important that you give positive and negative feedback through all the channels open to you.

CUSU provides confidential, free, non-judgemental support and information to individual students. Contact the CUSU Education Officer, Welfare Officer or Women's Officer by email, phone or by dropping into the office if you would like support or information on any topic.