Citing a lack of student participation, the faculty senate at Boise State University has proposed legislation that will remove student representation from the Academic Grievance Board. The legislation proposes that student academic grievances not resolved by course instructors or department heads will proceed to the Provost’s office where a final decision will be made by a “panel comprised of three deans or associate deans not affiliated with the student’s major or the faculty department or college.”
 
Faculty proposed the policy change because of frustration among faculty over the lack of student participation. “The [Academic Grievance Board was] having difficulty in getting students to participate,” Faculty Senate Vice President Lynn Lubamersky said. “We want to operate according to the rules, but if you are going to have a grievance committee and half of the members are not there, there’s no use.”  The previous system had an Academic Grievance Board composed of seven faculty members and seven students. 
 
However, the legislation has met with resistance from students. Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) Senate Pro Tempore Justin White proposed a bill asking the faculty to reconsider allowing student representation, arguing that faculty members should not hold ultimate discretion over student grievances.
 
The policy has not been made official yet, and student resistance has led Boise State administration to reconsider the proposal. “We are encouraged by students voicing their opinion,” Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Leslie Webb said. “It is a wonderful thing.”

More from the Arbiter at Boise State University