Graduate Student Resources
Student Complaint Procedures
-
Compliance
Visit our Accreditation and Compliance webpage for full details.
-
Procedures
Any student who is unclear about which type of procedure would be most appropriate in a given case should feel free to discuss the following options with a dean of the appropriate graduate program.
-
Procedure for Handling General Complaints
Because we are a Biblical institution, students should practice the Biblical principle following Matthew 18:15-18. Students should first attempt to resolve their disputes with the individual, followed by the individual’s immediate supervisor and/or dean. Students are responsible for being familiar with the Graduate Student Manual which contains policies and regulations governing the University or specific University entities.
-
Procedure for Handling Complaints Involving Special Policies
- Complaints or grievances related to issues of sexual misconduct, harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind should follow procedures applicable to those policies. For issues of this nature, visit Title IX.
- Grade appeals should be handled in accordance with the Grade Appeals Procedure found in the Graduate Student Manual or Bulletin.
- Students wishing to file appeals related to Academic Suspension and Financial Aid Eligibility should follow the procedure outlined in the Graduate Student Manual.
- Complaints and appeals related to NCAA regulations should follow the procedures applicable to NCAA or conference guidelines. Contact the North Greenville University NCAA Compliance Coordinator, Dustin Fuls, 864.977.7254, dustin.fuls@ngu.edu.
-
Procedures for Filing a Complaint
Complaints about significant violations of a North Greenville standard, policy, or procedure must be submitted in writing by the complainant and addressed directly to the Assistant Vice President of Graduate Academic Services at North Greenville University. The University will not consider a particular communication to be a serious complaint requiring a response under this policy unless it is in writing and signed by the complainant. The University will not act on anonymous complaints or complaints forwarded to the University.
In general, the University will acknowledge a written complaint within 20 business days or a reasonable period after its receipt by the Assistant Vice President of Graduate Academic Services. Complaints should be addressed to the issue at hand.
For a timely review by staff, the complainant is responsible for including the following in the written complaint:
- A statement describing the complaint in the clearest possible terms. If possible, indicate the relevant policy or procedure in question.
- A clear and concise written description of the evidence upon which the complaint is based (materials and adequate documentation used to support a complainant’s allegations should be limited to and directly related to the reported case). The evidence should state relevant and provable facts.
- A description of any action that may have already been taken in an attempt to resolve the issue or any persons who have worked with a complaint on the issue.
- An acknowledgment that University staff may send a copy of the complaint to the person(s) involved.
- Complainant’s signature.
Within 30 business days after acknowledging receipt of the complaint and under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of Graduate Academic Services, North Greenville University personnel will review the complaint and its documentation and determine whether it is within the scope of University policies and jurisdiction and if there is adequate documentation. NGU will inform the complainant regarding the disposition of the complaint to include one of the following:
- The complaint will not be processed further. The complaint is not within the scope of University policies and jurisdiction, or there is inadequate documentation to raise questions concerning the complaint.
- The complaint has sufficient substance to warrant further review. NGU will make every effort to expedite the review; however, the time required to conduct the review may vary considerably depending on the circumstances and nature of the complaint. Upon completion of the review, the complainant will be notified regarding one of the following:
- The complaint is without merit.
- A resolution will be suggested.
The response is submitted to the complainant and forwarded to the Chief Academic Officer. Records regarding student complaints are kept in the Office of the Chief Academic Officer.
-
Communication
This policy is communicated through the graduate school website.
- References