Appeals & Complaints

Students may appeal a decision by Student Disability Services regarding requested services or accommodations. Students who believe they have experienced discrimination because of a disability may also file a disability-related discrimination complaint.

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Appeal an SDS Decision

If Student Disability Services denies a request for services or a specific accommodation, the student may appeal the decision.

Appeal Process

1. Appeal to the Managing Director of Student Disability Services.

   A student whose request has been denied by an SDS counselor may ask the Managing Director, Dr. Larry Phillippe, to review the decision.

2. Request a second-level review.

   If the Managing Director upholds the denial, the student may appeal the decision to Jill Stangl, J.D., Assistant Vice Provost for Student Wellbeing.

3. Final university decision.

   The decision of the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Wellbeing is the final ruling in the SDS accommodation appeal process.

If a student believes the decision involved disability discrimination, the student may also pursue a disability discrimination complaint.

Contact SDS About an Appeal

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File a Disability Discrimination Complaint

A disability discrimination complaint is different from an appeal of an accommodation decision. A complaint may be appropriate when a student believes they have experienced discrimination because of a disability.

Complaints may generally be submitted in person, by phone, by email or by mail.

Where to Start

Students seeking to file a disability discrimination complaint should contact the Campus ADA Coordinator through Student Disability Services.

Campus ADA Coordinator
Student Disability Services
130 Weeks Hall
Box 45007
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: 806.742.2405

Students may contact Student Disability Services to obtain the current Campus ADA Coordinator's email address or for assistance beginning the complaint process.

Contact SDS About a Complaint

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Information to Include

A disability discrimination complaint should include enough information for the university to understand the concern and review the circumstances.

Include:

• Your full name and contact information.
• The name of the individual, office or other entity involved.
• A description of what occurred.
• The date or dates of the alleged discrimination.
• The names of individuals involved, when known.
• Any additional information you believe is relevant to the complaint.
• Copies of relevant supporting documents. Keep the original documents for your records.

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Complaint Review Process

The Campus ADA Coordinator will begin reviewing the allegation within 10 calendar days after receiving the complaint.

A ruling is generally issued within 20 calendar days. If additional time is required to complete the investigation, the complainant will be notified within that period and provided information about the anticipated ruling date and the reason additional time is needed.

Possible Outcomes

Depending on the circumstances and findings, a complaint may:

• Be dismissed if there is insufficient information or evidence to support the claim.
• Be resolved through an appropriate remedy.
• Be referred for mediation.
• Be referred to the appropriate academic or university administrator for additional review.

If a complaint is dismissed, information about any available appeal process will be provided to the student with the decision.

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Supporting Information

Supporting information can help document what occurred and provide context for a complaint. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Written notes or a timeline describing relevant events.
• Witness statements.
• A copy of a request for a reasonable accommodation and any response received.
• Emails, letters or other communications related to the concern.
• Relevant university or legal documents.
• Other records that help explain the alleged discrimination.

Not Sure Which Process You Need?

If you are unsure whether your concern should be handled as an accommodation appeal or a disability discrimination complaint, Student Disability Services can help you identify the appropriate process.

Email Student Disability Services