GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK - Biola University

If medical or psychological intervention is needed to assist the student in meeting the behavioral
standards, the University may choose to offer the student the opportunity to comply with an intervention
plan as a partial or complete substitute for disciplinary action. The student may also be placed on a
contract that clearly identifies the behaviors of concern, the accompanying behavioral expectations, and
the length of contract. If the student does not meet the behavioral standards after assenting to an
intervention plan, or if the student violates the contract, the University may take disciplinary action up
to, and including, suspension or dismissal.
GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCESSES
It is the desire of the University that grievances be resolved at the lowest level possible and that the
grievance procedure be as expeditious as possible. In accordance with the biblical injunction (Matthew
18:15), there should be an attempt made to resolve any grievance informally with the person or office
with which the grievant has a complaint before taking the grievance to a higher level.
There are three distinct grievance and appeal processes open to the student. The process used will
depend on the nature of the grievance: these include processes related to academic matters, processes
related to non-academic grievances and appeals, and processes related to unlawful discrimination and/or
harassment.
1. Policy for Appeals of Academic Decisions
An academic appeal may be made in accordance with this policy when a student believes that an
academic decision (e.g., a course or examination/project grade, admission to a program or major, etc.)
involving that student is unfair or erroneous. It is the intent of the University that appeals should be
dealt with in a timely manner and moved toward closure with appropriate balance of deliberation and
speed. During the regular semesters, the appeal will normally be brought under review by the relevant
party within two (2) weeks of its receipt. The process will then move forward to the final decision as
rapidly as is reasonably possible. During times between regular semesters (summer, January), review of
the appeal may be delayed until the relevant parties are available.
Course grades and decisions regarding admission to a major must be appealed within 90 days of the
posting of grades or notification to the student of a decision regarding admission to a major.
It is the desire of the School of Education to serve each student equitably and fairly in each and every
circumstance. Should you encounter a situation in which you feel that you have been treated unfairly
(e.g., grading, classroom work relationship) please follow the Matthew 18:15-16 principle. Begin by
communicating directly with the person with whom you have the concern (e.g., professor, colleague,
peer, master teacher) in a timely fashion. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, please ask for
assistance by bringing in a second person (e.g., peer, student teacher supervisor, professor). If you need
further assistance, appeal in writing to the next person in authority (e.g., professor, undergraduate chair,
graduate chair) as soon as possible. If you are further in need of assistance, a written appeal may be
directed to the Dean of Education (Dr. June Hetzel) and you will receive a response within two weeks.
Decisions rendered by the Dean are final.
Revised 3.9.2012 33