Grievance Policy

It would always be our choice, prior to a formal grievance being filed, for students to reconcile any problem in a manner befitting Christian values and standards.

Student-Administration Communication

A grievance is a legitimate complaint where upon the complainant believes he/she has fulfilled acceptable behavioral expectations in a circumstance but has been mistreated in some respect by another party.

In general, if a student desires to report or review the actions of an individual or department, they will need to direct their concerns to the supervisor of the individual or department. The following elements are an overview naming the responsibility parties within this college community.

1. Personal records

   Disputes regarding guidelines for student access to personal records should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

2. Grades

   If a student experiences difficulty with an instructor or questions a course grade, he/she should first approach the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that the instructor is aware of the concern. If the student does not feel resolution in the matter he/she may speak with the director of MRE. If a student feels no resolution still he/she may request a meeting with the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council is made up of the MRE director, Rochester College provost and academic dean, and select MRE faculty. If a matter is referred to the Graduate Council they will review the matter and their decision is final.

3. Students with Disabilities

   Grievances related to discrimination on the basis of disability should be reported to Academic Services. Any student seeking a resolution on the basis of a disability must register as a disabled student with Academic Services and provide required documentation of disability.

4. Race, Religion, National Origin, and Age Discrimination

   Grievances related to discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or age with regard to academic matters should be handled through the appropriate academic dean. All non-academic matters concerning this type of discrimination should be directed to the dean of students.

5. Gender Discrimination

   Discrimination on the basis of gender in student programs, activities or employment, with respect to the religious tenets of Rochester College, are prohibited under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendment of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Complaints concerning the violation of these acts should be directed to the human resource manager.

General Student Grievance Procedures

In the event initial parties involved cannot resolve a problem, the following procedure should be followed:

1. A detailed grievance should be submitted in writing to the Director of the MRE.
   1. The grievance should specifically state the name(s), address, telephone number, description of the incident, date, time, circumstances relating to the incident and any witnesses.
   2. The student should also state what resolution or remedy he/she is seeking.
   3. The written grievance must be signed by the student, hereinafter referred to as the complaint, and submitted within at least 30 days of the alleged incident or discrimination.
2. Appropriate faculty and/or administrators will promptly attend to the written grievance. All parties have the right to:
   1. Be notified of the alleged discrimination, specific acts involved, and resolution sought.
   2. Know the source of the complaint.
   3. Be accompanied by an advisor for advisory purposes only at any proceeding.
3. The appropriate faculty or administrator will conduct an investigation. All parties involved will be afforded the opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the grievance.
4. The investigator or investigative team will compose a written document as to the validity of the grievance and terms of the resolution, if any. A copy will be forwarded to the complainant. If appropriate discipline may involve one or both parties.
5. The investigator or investigative team will maintain all files and records relating to the grievances filed.
6. The final decision rests with the Graduate Council.

*These general procedures do not apply to applicant for admission or employment at the college.