Start with the question "what kind of concern is this?"
Porter runs several distinct processes because they answer to different rules. Using the right one gets you a real response; a general complaint sent to the wrong office bounces. If you are not sure, the Student Ombuds is neutral and will help you find the path — without starting anything you did not ask to start.
A grade or academic decision
A grade you believe is wrong on process grounds — a calculation error, a departure from the syllabus, unequal treatment — goes through the grade appeal process, which starts with the instructor and escalates to the department and college, with an early deadline in the following term. A general "I deserved better" is not grounds.
Discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct
Concerns involving sex, race, disability, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics go to the Title IX Coordinator or the equity office, depending on the type. You can request supportive measures — academic, housing, safety — without filing a formal complaint. Retaliation for reporting is itself prohibited.
A bias incident
Conduct that is hostile or demeaning based on identity but may not meet the legal threshold for discrimination can be reported through the bias incident process. It focuses on support for those affected and education, and it feeds campus-climate work.
Student conduct, safety, and threats
Behavior that violates the student code — from disruption to threats — is reported to the conduct office or, if there is any immediate danger, to 911 and Campus Safety at (715) 555–0191 first. A concern that someone is a risk to themselves or others can also go through the care referral, which connects them to support.
Services, billing, and staff conduct
A problem with an office, a service, or an employee’s conduct starts with that unit’s supervisor and, unresolved, goes to the complaints process or Human Resources. Keep dates, names, and what was said; specific records are what move any of these.
Fictional information
UW–Porter Falls is a work of parody. Every office, person, building, phone number and statistic on this page is invented; nothing here describes a real institution or a service you can actually contact.