Life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to. Emergencies—academic and personal—happen, and when they do, you need to know someone’s got your back. That’s why we’re here.
When you need a caring, knowledgeable, and supportive champion, we are in your corner.
When you’re having an academic problem, we can help you navigate university policies and find the appropriate support services. We’ve included some information below, and if you need additional support, make an appointment with us.
317-274-4431
Campus Center 350
To have a support team member reach out to you, visit go.iu.edu/request-support.
To contact the confidential advocate for situations of sexual violence, dating or relationship violence, stalking, or more, please email saadv@iu.edu or call 317-274-2548.
There is no single university policy on absences. Communicate directly with your professors if you are unable to attend classes. Depending on the policies for a particular course or department, they may request documentation such as a doctor’s note.
We do not provide oversight for academic units or faculty. However, in an emergency situation such as hospitalization, we can contact your instructors if you will miss class for three or more days or are unable to inform them directly. We recommend talking with your instructors as soon as possible to discuss accommodations and make-up procedures for your courses. A withdrawal from classes may be necessary for extended absences.
There are several deadlines each term for dropping classes. If you can no longer drop a class on your own through One.IU—this deadline is usually the first week of the term—you must meet with your academic advisor. More information about dropping classes can be found through the Office of the Registrar.
Before submitting a grade change petition, we recommend speaking with your instructor calmly, directly, and in person. If you believe your course grade is incorrect, you can follow the university’s formal grade grievances procedure. As with all university policies, we are available to help you understand these procedures and navigate the process.
If you have other concerns about a professor’s conduct or are unable to reach a resolution on other disputes, you may address your concerns to the course coordinator or department chair. You can also request an appointment with us for conflict coaching to discuss your concerns and ways to approach the conversation with your instructor.
When an emergency prevents you from being able to attend courses, you may need to withdraw from classes. Being hospitalized, a death in your immediate family, or being the victim of a crime are just a few examples of what might constitute an emergency. If you aren’t sure if your situation warrants an emergency withdrawal, we can help you figure it out.
You may need documentation to withdraw from a class. Your documentation should provide your contact information, including name, address, and phone and fax numbers, as well as answer the questions below. It should also be signed and dated. We can help you submit this documentation.
Our student support team can help connect you to on-campus and community resources when you’re in a financial pinch. If you have a dire or critical need, please apply for IU Indianapolis Financial Challenges Funding. You can also reach out to the Office of Student Financial Services to discuss options based on your financial aid information.
When you’re faced with a crisis that you don’t know how to handle, we can help direct you to the right services and resources—both on campus and off—and make sure you’ve got what you need.
If you are in imminent danger or require immediate assistance, call 911 or call the IU Police Department at 317-274-7911.
Paws' Pantry is a food pantry located conveniently inside the Campus Center. The pantry makes it possible for students, faculty, and staff to shop for food without the hassle. Just swipe your ID and fill a bag with nutritious food.
We want you to feel comfortable voicing your concerns and considering all the options to your problem. It's important to know that the Office of the Dean of Students is not a confidential office, but we strive to maintain your privacy.
Generally, we will not share your concerns or situation with others. There may be times where we have to consult with other faculty and staff to provide you with the most effective support, but we will not share your information with individuals who do not have a need to know.
Additionally, there is some information that we are required to report by law and/or university policy. For example, should a student disclose information related to harm to themself or others, sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence, abuse of a child or endangered adult, or crimes that occurred on or near campus, our staff may be required to report that information to the appropriate university office or law enforcement agency. If you have any questions about our reporting obligations, don’t hesitate to ask.
We follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and will only discuss your concerns with individuals outside the university if you have given permission, if we are required by law, or if there is a perceived imminent risk of serious harm. There may be certain circumstances in which students want the Office of Student Advocacy and Support to work with a third party, such as a parent or family member. If this is the case, the student should contact our office so that we can provide them with the appropriate release form to complete.
The Office of the Dean of Students can help a student with a variety of personal and academic concerns, but they are not confidential advocates. Use this referral form if a student is struggling with academics, personal concerns, or basic needs.
If you have experienced sexual misconduct or believe your rights have been violated, you have several options available to you, including confidential advocacy services.
The confidential advocate in Counseling and Psychological Services can connect you with on-campus and community options and resources.
