CoHS Standards for Grievances & Appeals

Purpose

This standard outlines the procedures for students in the College of Health Sciences to appeal decisions related to dismissals and other punitive administrative actions taken by programs or departments. It ensures a fair and transparent process for handling grievances and appeals.

Scope

This standard applies to all students enrolled in the College of Health Sciences who wish to appeal an administrative action such as dismissal from a program, suspension, probation, or other punitive actions.  

Limitations

This grievance and appeals process is not applicable to grade appeals, which are covered under a separate university Grade Appeals policy.

Definitions

• Appeal: A request for reconsideration of a decision made by a program or department.

• Grievance: A formal complaint raised by a student regarding an administrative decision.

• Administrative Action: Any decision made by a program or department that impacts a student’s academic status, including dismissal, suspension, probation, or other disciplinary measures.

Procedure(s) for Filing an Appeal 

1. Initial Appeal to the Program Director 

   • Time Frame: A student must submit a written appeal to the Program Director or Department Chair within five (5) business days of receiving notification of the administrative action.

   • Submission: The appeal should include a detailed explanation of the reasons for the appeal, any relevant documentation, and the desired outcome.

   • Program Director/Department Chair Review: Upon receiving the appeal, the Program Director or Department Chair will review the case and may request additional information or a meeting with the student.

   • Decision: The Program Director or Department Chair will provide a written decision to the student within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the appeal.

   • Finality: The decision of the Program Director or Department Chair will be considered final and effective upon the student’s receipt of written notification of the decision. However, students, who desire to appeal the decision of the Program Director or Department Chair, may subsequently submit a final appeal for reconsideration to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences.

2. Appeal for Reconsideration to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences

   • Time Frame: If the student is not satisfied with the decision at the program/department level, they may appeal to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences within five (5) business days of receiving the program/department decision. The Dean will not hear an appeal or grievance that has not first been through the initial appeal process with the applicable Program Director or Department Chair.

   • Submission: The appeal must be submitted in writing and should include the original appeal, the program/department decision, and a statement explaining why the student believes the decision was unjust.

   • Dean’s Review: The College’s Associate Dean and/or Dean will review the appeal, which may include a hearing where the student and program/department representative(s) can present their case.

   • Decision: The Dean will render a decision in writing within twenty (20) business days of receiving the appeal. 

   • Finality: The decision of the Dean is final and binding. No further appeals will be considered within the College of Health Sciences or the University.

Procedure(s) for Filing a Grievance

Students may elect to file a grievance for reasons not otherwise specified in this handbook. As such, the student has two options:

1. A student may submit a grievance in writing directly to the Program Director. Grievances should be submitted within five (5) days of occurrence.

2. Alternatively, follow the university policy as noted in the Grievances section of the university policies.

Confidentiality

All matters related to appeals and grievances will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with individuals directly involved in the process.

Retaliation

No student shall face retaliation for filing an appeal or grievance. 

Record Keeping

Upon the final decision's delivery, the program and/or College of Health Sciences will maintain all records related to appeals and grievances.