We offer several conflict resolution services that includes conflict resolution and conflict coaching.
Student Grievances
The student grievance process exists to protect students from arbitrary, capricious, and/or unfair acts being committed against them by University faculty and staff. A student may file a grievance if they believe their rights as a student have not been fully recognized and/or respected. Student Affairs staff will provide a combination of coaching, assistance, and advocacy in helping the student address their concerns.
Steps in the Process:
- The student is to first meet with the responsible staff in the office where the matter arose in hopes of gaining a resolution.
- If after the meeting the student is dissatisfied with the outcome, the following steps are to be followed:
- A grievance is to be submitted completing the for students.
- When a student submits a grievance, the person must provide their name, contact information, and attach any related documents.
- After a grievance is submitted, the student will meet with a Student Affairs staff member to review the matter and discuss and coach the student on moving forward in resolving their concerns.
- The Student Affairs staff member will forward the grievance to the office or individual of concern and begin conversations with them to gather more information and determine the best avenue for resolving the student grievance. This information will be reported back to the student.
- Additional follow-up meetings with offices and/or individuals involved may take place until the matter is resolved. Student Affairs will coordinate those meetings.
NOTE: Student Affairs does not retain the authority to mandate formal corrective action from University offices or University staff. In the grievance process, Student Affairs facilitates the creation of open avenues for the student to fully address their concerns and receive the resolution they desire, if that desired resolution is feasible and warranted based on the determined facts. Student Affairs is committed to advocating for the student when, in the student’s pursuit for resolution to the concerns, there is lack of cooperation from University staff or others involved; or when it is clear to the Student Affairs staff that a student’s rights have been overlooked or violated.
It is the expectation of Student Affairs that the student be actively involved in attempting to resolve their concerns. This means that the student must fully exercise their conflict resolution skills and remain in the forefront in addressing their concerns. If a student chooses to withdraw their grievance, they must complete the Formal Withdrawal of a Student Grievance form located in the Student Affairs office. This releases the Student Affairs staff from any further assistance to the student and facilitation of resolution. All completed forms and documents submitted are kept on file in Student Affairs.