University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 2012 – 2013 Student ...

Applies to all University of St Augustine for Health Sciences StudentsStudents with a disability should expect to maintain the standards that apply to all University students andrequest only the accommodations approved by this process. Being penalized for having a disability isunacceptable, as it is to expect more than reasonable accommodations.Any discrepancy encountered by the student or faculty in the written accommodation plan should bebrought to the Committee for review and action. At the end of the sixth trimester each student’s progresswill be reviewed as to their ability to perform safely and appropriately in a clinical situation. Students willbe advised in writing of concerns regarding clinical performance.COMPLAINTSThe University of St. Augustine (USA) is committed to providing a learning and working environment inwhich complaints are addressed fairly and resolved promptly. All complaints are taken seriously. Theprocedure for handling complaints encourages informal conciliation, facilitates early resolution, andmaintains individual privacy and confidentiality.This policy covers three general types of complaints:• Student complaints• Employee complaints• Complaints from individuals or agencies outside the University.This policy does not cover complaints about incidents related to harassment. Complaints of this natureshould be directed to the Director of Human Resources.A. Student ComplaintsTypes of Student ComplaintsStudents should utilize the following procedure for complaints about service, support, orassistance provided by academic, administrative or support departments of the University.Student complaints include academic issues such as instruction methodology, grading, testing, orassignments, or non-academic matters such as IT support, university services, facilities, policies,financial matters, etc. The following procedure is not for complaints regarding academic or nonacademicappeals policies and procedures. Please refer to the Student Handbook for appealsprocesses.ConfidentialityAll information submitted as part of a student complaint will be treated as confidential and willonly be available to the appropriate/involved parties. The student should also respect the need forconfidentiality throughout the complaint process. A student who submits a complaint should beaware that complete confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed if effective action is to be taken.Where a complaint is in reference to a specific individual, the complaint cannot be investigated ifthe student does not wish the allegation to be made known to that individual. Anonymouscomplaints will not be considered.Student Complaints ProceduresA student should discuss his/her concerns with the person(s) who is directly responsible (courseinstructor, staff member, etc.) in order to resolve the issue. Depending on the severity of theissue, a written record may or may not be drafted and placed in the student’s permanent record.1. If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student shoulddiscuss the issue with his/her Program Director. The Program Director will consider thecomplaint and attempt to bring the issue to a satisfactory resolution.a. In certain situations, the Program Director may refer the complaint to an appropriateUniversity committee. The respective Committee will consider the complaint andprovide a written recommendation to the Program Director.b. The Program Director will consider the Committee recommendation and notify thestudent in writing of the decision.c. Written documentation regarding the resolution will be placed in the student’s fileand maintained for six (6) years past the student’s last date of attendance.University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 26