Informal dispute/complaints procedure through a Dean of students

If you have a complaint to make, or are dissatisfied with a decision, the quickest and easiest way to solve the problem is generally to approach the person concerned directly and work out a solution together. The current situation or relations between the parties concerned, however, may not lend themselves to this form of mediation. You may be unsure as to how to address the matter or how to approach such a discussion, or fear that your grievance will not be taken seriously. Or it could be a simple case of not knowing who to contact regarding your complaint.

The program or school education coordinator should be your first port of call. He or she is familiar with the program set-up and the teachers and staff concerned. If you are not comfortable with this, you can take your complaint to the Dean of students. The Dean of students is an independent advisor and is not linked to any particular course or school but represents all the students at Tilburg university. He or she can play a mediating role between students and teachers or other members of staff. By virtue of his or her position, the Dean of students is obliged to observe a strict code of confidentiality.

The Dean of students can help you search for a solution through a process of mediation or by offering you advice. He or she can also provide you with information and advice on the best way to submit a formal complaint, if necessary.