2021 - 2022 COM Student Handbook

Nova Southeastern University Student Handbook 59 E.2 Nonacademic Grievance Procedure Except for grievances and/or complaints involving sexual misconduct, discrimination, and disability accommodations, this process should be followed for all nonacademic grievances of policies/procedures that are not governed by a specific academic center, program, college, or school. Academic grievances should be referred to the student’s academic center. The purpose of these grievance procedures is to promote the orderly resolution of problems arising out of a student complaint concerning a policy, procedure, or administrative action of Nova Southeastern University. Grievances can often be adversarial, unpleasant, and unsatisfying, so we recommend that students discuss problems before resorting to the formal grievance steps. When formal grievance steps are perceived as necessary, students have a right to a fair process and hearing without retribution. This policy is not an avenue to challenge a disciplinary decision or to appeal an academic assessment. 1. First, the student should attempt to resolve an issue in dispute at the level at which the dispute occurred. This attempt must be in writing (i.e., email, regular mail, or fax). The student may wish to use certified mail to verify receipt of the correspondence. In the correspondence, the student must present a rationale for his or her position based on factual information. 2. The student will receive a reply, in writing, which addresses the complaint. 3. If the reply is not acceptable, the student is encouraged to submit the complaint in writing to the assistant dean for Student Development. The assistant dean will attempt to resolve the dispute. 4. If the assistant dean for Student Development is unable to resolve the dispute, he or she will notify the student and the vice president of Student Affairs, or his or her designee, in writing. 5. The student may then appeal, in writing, to the vice president of Student Affairs, or his or her designee. 6. The vice president will investigate and review the findings, and will notify the student, in writing, of his or her decision. 7. The vice president’s, or his or her designee’s, decision is final and binding and cannot be appealed.