The department of Human Centered Design & Engineering is dedicated to protecting student rights. If you have a concern or a complaint, there are many avenues available for discussion and/or mediation.

Student Conduct Code  HCDE Grades & Grievances  Health & Safety  Bias Reporting & Non-discrimination

Student Conduct Code

Students have the right and responsibility to report alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code. Examples of suspected violations are observing someone cheating on a test, seeing someone in possession of a weapon, or witnessing someone commit theft.

If you believe you have been a victim of an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code or you are aware of an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code, you have the right to report it to the University.

HCDE Grades & Grievances

If you want to contest a grade, either on an assignment or for a course, HCDE faculty and instructors are willing to discuss grades. First, check the syllabus for details about a specific procedure to discuss the grade. Then, make an appointment with your instructor and be prepared to justify, with specifics, why you think a grade should be changed. If you feel uncomfortable reaching out to your instructor first, contact your academic advisor. View more about grading policies on the HCDE academic conduct page.

To address academic complaints or issues, including, but not limited to academic policies, grading practices, fair treatment, faculty and student advising relationships, etc. Students should first attempt to address the concern with the faculty or staff member directly through an informal process as outlined by the College of Engineering. If a student would like support to approach the informal process, they may first reach out to the Office of the Ombudsman for consultation. If after discussing the concern with the faculty or staff member is not resolved, the student should contact the HCDE Chair. 

Health & Safety

Safety

SafeCampus is the University of Washington’s violence-prevention and response program. If you are experiencing violence, sexual assault, or harassment from anyone, on campus or off, contact SafeCampus. Trained professionals will talk you through options and connect you with additional resources if you want them. You are not required to share your name or contact information to utilize SafeCampus resources. For more information, visit SafeCampus What to Expect.

If you do not require immediate assistance, you may contact a confidential advocate. The Livewell Confidential Advocates provide a safe and confidential space to help students, faculty and staff identify what they want or need after an incident of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment has occurred.

Sexual Assault

The UW provides victims of sexual violence with an array of resources that reflect the University’s commitment to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. Visit the UW Sexual Assault webpage to find resources to get confidential support, to address safety concerns, to locate providers of medical care and counseling, and to learn how to report sexual assault.

For additional external resources, visit Helping Survivors, an advocacy center with detailed information to understand the signs of sexual violence and assistance for victims. 

Title IX Reporting

If you are a UW student employee, staff or faculty member who becomes aware of a situation that involves sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, related retaliation, or other forms of sexual misconduct, you are strongly encouraged to follow the UW Title IX Response & Support Protocol.

UW Title IX Response and Support Protocol

• For immediate support, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to contact SafeCampus. SafeCampus will assess for any immediate safety concerns and provide consultation on the next steps if needed to address imminent concerns. SafeCampus will share the impacted person’s name with a confidential campus-based advocate who will reach out to offer confidential support. The person impacted does not need to engage with the advocate. It is their choice. 
• The Confidential Advocate will provide emotional support and referrals to additional support resources as needed. The Confidential Advocate will contact a UW Title IX Coordinator, who is responsible for assessing any risk to the larger community and identifying patterns and systemic issues related to Title IX.

Health & Wellness

UW's Husky Health & Wellbeing offers a wide range of health and wellness services, from exceptional medical care and counseling services to recreation classes, safety resources, peer health advocacy, trainings and more.

If you are thinking about suicide; are worried about a friend, student or colleague; or need emotional support, The Suicide Intervention Program connects students to campus resources when incidents of concern are reported the University. Meetings are held with professional staff members who work with students to come up with a plan for care based on students needs and individual circumstances.

Bias Reporting & Non-discrimination

College of Engineering

If you wish to speak with a staff member of the College of Engineering who can serve as an advocate or resource to support you, we encourage you to fill out a report or contact an engineering advocate. Please refer to the resources available here.

Disability Resources for Students Office

lf you are having difficulty with a person, office, or department at the University of Washington
and believe you have or may be experiencing mistreatment or discrimination on the basis of your disability, view the Complaint Resolution Resources through DRS.

Additionally, as HCDE students you are always welcome to talk to:

• Your Instructor or Academic Advisor.
• The Department Chair at hcdechr@uw.edu.
• A member of the HCDE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
• If you want to talk to someone outside the department, you may contact the UW Ombudsman or the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering . The office of the Ombudsman provides a confidential, informal, impartial and independent space for people to bring any issues and problem solve. Typically you will meet with an Ombud based on what community you belong to (faculty, staff, student).