STUDENT ACADEMIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

The Student Academic Complaint Procedure is established to provide an appropriate framework and method to resolve student complaints of an academic nature in accordance with the University policy as stated in the University Policy Register under section 3342-4-16. Copies are available in the College of Nursing office and it is outlined in the telephone book. This policy is specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the academic environment and to ensure that the rights of students and faculty in such matters are clearly stated and protected.

The student is expected to resolve complaints informally first. The instructor is to be contacted in an attempt to resolve the concern immediately. Many academic concerns can be resolved by informal discussion between the parties involved. The following questions may serve as a guide:

1. What are the specific details of the problem?
2. What has been done to resolve the problem?
3. What recommendations can be made to resolve the problem?

If the matter is not resolved with the instructor, the student must discuss the problem with the course coordinator/director and may then discuss it with the Assistant Dean for Student Services. If the matter continues to be unresolved a written complaint must be submitted within 15 days of the occurrence of the event. Refer to Formal Complaint section for instructions and other time limits.

In initiating a complaint and throughout the formal appeals process, students may seek the counsel of the Office of the Dean in the College of Nursing and of the University Office of the Student Ombudsman. Both offices will provide information, clarify procedures, and facilitate communications as requested.

It is understood that some issues may involve one or more policies which, because of either the nature of she complaint or the status of the complaint, may be related to University offices which have separate responsibilities for such policies. For example, an allegation of discrimination or sexual harassment could be reviewed separately by the Office of Affirmative Action.

There shall be no retaliation or abridgment of a student's rights resulting from the use of this policy.