STUDENT GRIEVANCE POLICY first reports the problem.
General Definition The primary objective of a student grievance procedure is to ensure that concerns are promptly dealt with and resolution reached in a fair manner for all parties concerned. It is essential that each student be given adequate opportunity to bring complaints and problems to the attention of the University administration with the assurance that each will be given fair treatment. The student grievance procedures of Hodges University are designed to provide an effective means for resolving legitimate issues that are subject to the grievance process. Grievance Definition A grievance is a student complaint regarding a violation, interpretation, or application of a university academic or non-academic policy or procedure. Exclusions Grievances pertaining to the following matters shall not be processed under this rule: • Disciplinary actions taken under the Hodges University Student Code of Conduct. • The professional judgment exercised by an instructor in assigning a grade. • Complaints involving discrimination, harassment, or violations of Title IX. Time Limits A grievance must be filed in a timely fashion. Formal written grievances must involve a specific event or incident occurring within 30 days of filing. The student must participate in an informal grievance resolution before filing a formal written grievance. Informal Grievance Resolution The initial phase of the student grievance procedure is verbal discussion between the student and faculty or staff member alleged to have caused the grievance in order to communicate and resolve the problem. The meeting should be held as soon as the student
If the student has good cause not to meet with the person(s) alleged to have caused the grievance, or considers the response to the grievance to be unsatisfactory causing the grievance to still exist, then the student should request a meeting with the person’s supervisor to attempt to resolve the problem. Should the matter remain unresolved to the satisfaction of the student, then the student may file a formal grievance. Problems between students should be brought to the attention of the faculty, program director, or the Associate Dean of Students for discussion and resolution. Formal Grievance Procedure To file a formal grievance, the student should obtain a grievance form from the Office of the Registrar and file it with the Associate Dean of Students. The grievance form must be signed by the student and set forth with sufficient specificity so as to clearly identify the substance of the complaint. The Associate Dean of Students will serve a copy of the Grievance Form to any and all parties which the student has included in the grievance and the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer will be the Provost, or designee. Depending on the circumstances, the Hearing Officer may ask the Vice President of Finance and Administration to appoint an Ad hoc Committee and serve as the designee. Within seven (7) working days of service of the grievance, the accused parties will submit in writing their explanation, if any, to the Hearing Officer. Upon request, the parties will submit for inspection and/or review any evidence relevant to the grievance which the parties have knowledge of to any other party to the action. Within fourteen (14) working days of the filing of the Formal Grievance, the Hearing Officer or designee will conduct a preliminary hearing
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Hodges University Student Handbook
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