2021 - 2022 COM Student Handbook

Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 55 The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints by students regarding perceived disability discrimination: Benjamin Johnson, Ed.D. Assistant Dean for Student Development (954) 262-7281 • bj379@nova.edu The assistant dean for Student Development will be responsible for coordinating the investigation and making a determination as to any potential behaviors/activities which may violate the university’s disability discrimination/harassment policies. Any complaint relating to disability harassment or discrimination made by a student against faculty or staff members may be referred to the NSU Office of Human Resources (OHR) where appropriate, at the discretion of the assistant dean for Student Development. Any complaints referred to the NSU Office of Human Resources will be investigated and processed to conclusion, in accordance with the policies contained in the Faculty Policy Manual or Employee Policy Manual and the grievance procedures contained therein. Any complaint relating to a disability accommodation decision must be filed in accordance with the policies as outlined in the Office of Disability Services website. The appeals process, as well as additional information, can be found at nova.edu/disabilityservices . * NSU also will accept oral complaints from individuals with disabilities, if, due to their disability, they are unable to file a written complaint. The university will memorialize the individual’s complaint in writing and the individual will certify that the written complaint is an accurate representation of his or her complaint. b. Referral or Dismissal of Reports Some complaints may not actually fall within the definition of discrimination set forth by university policy or otherwise may be more appropriately handled by other offices. These reports will be dismissed or referred to other offices as appropriate. c. Initial Processing of Student Complaints by the Assistant Dean for Student Development Upon filing of a formal complaint with the assistant dean for Student Development, an investigator will be appointed from the appropriate university college, office, and/or department, who will meet with the complainant within five business days to document the allegations, based on the written complaint and any other information gathered. The allegations made by the complainant will be the basis for the investigation. d. Informal/Early Resolution of Student Complaints The university may attempt to resolve matters through mediation or other alternative resolution, when appropriate. Mediation will not be used for reports of extreme forms of disability discrimination or harassment. In mediation, the investigator—or an assigned individual—typically meets with the reporting party and the respondent—separately and/or together—to seek an acceptable resolution. Any informal resolution may be made only with the agreement of all affected parties. If alternative resolution is unsuccessful, the matter will proceed to investigation.