Student Complaint and Grievance Policy and Procedures

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A student has the right to seek a remedy for a dispute or disagreement through the University’s Complaint and Grievance procedure.

The University shall establish procedures in consultation with student representatives and others, for handling complaints and grievances. These procedures shall not substitute for other grievance procedures specific in Board and University policies and procedures, regulations or negotiated agreements. This policy does not apply to academic grade disputes which are handled under the University’s Grade Appeals policy located in the appropriate Course Catalog.

PROCEDURES

The University shall establish procedures to implement this policy which are outlined in Procedure section.

STUDENT COMPLAINT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

1. Definitions: For the purposes of the Student Complaint and Grievance Policy and Procedure, the following definitions apply:
   • Appeals: A request for reconsideration of a grievance decision of the Student Complaints and Grievance Policy and Procedure.
   • Complaint: An oral or written claim concerning a University issue brought by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary treatment. Grievance. A written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary action by an employee involving the application of a specific provision of a University rule or regulation or a board policy or procedure. This policy does not apply to those College rules or to board policies or procedures that include an appeal or grievance process.
   • Retaliation: Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating or not participating in a complaint or grievance.
   • Student: An individual who is enrolled in the University or a group of such individuals or the campus student government.
2. Notification and Publication: The University shall inform students of the established complaints and grievance policy and procedures. These policies and procedures shall be publicized to students at least annually in the Student Handbook, Iona website and shall include information related to how and where students can obtain the Student Complaint and Grievance form.
3. Complaint: This procedure is to be used when a student has a concern about a University rule or regulation that impacts their education at the University. The objective of this procedure is to resolve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible at the level closest to the student so the students’ educational progress can continue with the least amount of disruption. The student should bring the concern to an appropriate staff or faculty member. If the student is uncomfortable with approaching the University employee directly, they may select an advocate who can be a counselor, advisor or other faculty/staff member. The staff member(s) attempt to work with the student and other persons who are involved to resolve the issue within ten (10) working days. If the concern is not satisfactorily resolved, the student may then file a grievance.
4. Grievance: If a student is dissatisfied with the results of the complaints process, a grievance may be filed. All grievances must be submitted in writing. Forms are available in the Dean of Students Office/Center for Student Engagement suite, t or the respective Dean’s offices of each school. The forms should be completed and returned to the Dean of Students who will forward the grievance to the appropriate administrator for written response to the student within ten (10) working days.
5. Appeals: The student has the right to appeal the grievance decision by filing a written appeal to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Appeals must be filed within ten (10) working days from receipt of the grievance decision. The decision of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs is final and binding.
6. Retaliation Prohibited: No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participating or refusing to participate in a grievance. Retaliation may be subject to action under appropriate student or employee policies.
7. Records Retention: All records of complaints and grievances shall be logged and housed in the Office of the Dean of Students and retained for a period of five (5) years.