The following process should be used for complaints that fall outside the areas of academics, Title IX, harassment, and discrimination, as described in the Graduate Student Handbook. This grievance procedure must be preceded by a sincere attempt on the part of the complainant to resolve the issue informally with the individual(s) involved. If the student is not satisfied with the results of the informal discussion, the student may submit a signed, written complaint to the Dean of the school in which the student is enrolled.
The Grievance must include the following information:
- Name, Address, and contact information (email, phone number, etc.) of the student making the grievance complaint;
- Information regarding the individual(s) the grievance complaint is about, including their name and title;
- A detailed statement outlining all facts relating to the incident(s), including: date, time, and location;
- The names of any individual(s)who witnessed the incident or who may have pertinent information regarding the incident(s), if applicable;
- Details regarding all steps taken to resolve the grievance;
- A statement of the relief sought by the complainant; and
- A list of all documents supporting the Grievance, which shall be attached to the Grievance.
Upon receipt of a Grievance, the dean shall review the Grievance. He/she shall request a written response from the individual involved and immediately begin a full, fair and impartial investigation into the Grievance. If needed, meetings will be scheduled individually or jointly with the student and the faculty/staff member/individual that is the subject of the complaint. Witnesses may be asked to provide a written statement or meet during the investigation. The investigation will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Upon completion of the investigation the Dean will issue a decision regarding the Grievance. Both the student and faculty/staff member/individual will be notified in writing regarding the decision.
Anti-Retaliation Statement. Retaliation of any kind against anyone filing a grievance is prohibited. Initiating a complaint will not affect a student’s grades, class selection, or any other matter pertaining to student status.