54 / 57
Definition:
A student grievance is a perceived or actual cause for student complaint arising
out of some perceived or actual harm due to an action taken by the university or
a university employee. These grievances address a university-related problem
or condition which a student believes to be unfair, inequitable, discriminatory,
or a hindrance to the overall educational process. A grievance may also include
discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, or sex.
General Principles:
•
Whenever possible and in a timely fashion, a student should voice a
complaint informally with the university employee involved in the initial
situation before filing a grievance.
•
Anonymous complaints will not be formally addressed.
•
There will be no adverse effect on, or retaliation against, either a student
who, in good faith, submits an appeal/grievance, or against any person
who, in good faith, provides information regarding an appeal/grievance.
•
Written appeals or grievances will receive written responses within five
business days and will be kept on file in the appropriate office.
Grievance Distinctions:
Academic Matters:
If a student wishes to appeal a decision, or has a grievance
about a course or faculty member, it should be addressed in accordance with the
Academic Grievance Policy. This policy is published within the academic catalog.
Academic matters are items that pertain to a student’s interaction with the faculty,
academic requirements, graduation requirements, the interpretation of program,
or course requirements, together with policies and processes that support these
matters.
Please note: There are specific policies addressing the appeal of a course
grade and plagiarism.
If a student wishes to appeal a decision regarding a non-academic policy or
wishes to file a grievance regarding a non-academic matter it should be addressed
according to the Non-Academic Grievance Procedure.
Non-Academic Grievance Procedure or Appeal Process:
If there is a non-academic issue at hand, it must first be determined whether it is
an appeal or a grievance. If the matter is a perceived incident of discrimination on
the basis of sex, please refer to the Title IX statement at the end of the grievance
policy.*
An appeal
should be submitted when there is a disagreement with a decision
made by the University or a university employee. Appeals should be made, in
writing, to the person/department rendering the decision with which there is
disagreement. A response will come within five business days. If the response
is not satisfactory, an appeal may be made to the supervisor of the person/
department responding to the initial appeal. This appeal should be made within
three days of the previous decision. The response from the supervisor will come
within five business days and is final and binding on all parties. This appeal
procedure does not apply to academic decisions (see Academic Matters above).
53