1. The student shall, if possible, approach the person they perceive to be responsible for the offense in order to work out a solution.
- Brescia University recognizes that there may be times, due to power dynamics, that a student may fear retaliation and thus may not feel comfortable airing their grievance directly with the person involved. In such cases, the student may utilize the Vice President of Student Affairs/ Dean of Students to serve in an advocacy role. A mediated conversation will be recommended, and the VPSA/DOS (or designee) would be able to assist the student.
2. If the issue is unresolved by approaching the person(s) directly and/or if it is not possible to do so, the student must contact the direct supervisor of the person whom the student perceives to be responsible for the offense. The supervisor will consult all persons involved to determine the present status of the problem and then make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue.
3. If the issue remains unresolved by approaching the direct supervisor, the student’s next step is to contact the Academic Dean for all academic related grievances or the supervising Vice President of the appropriate department for non-academic related grievances if this person has not already been contacted. The Academic Dean or the supervising Vice President will consult all persons involved to determine the present status of the problem and then make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue.
4. If a student is not satisfied with the results of these steps, the next step is to submit a formal written complaint using the Student Complaint and Grievance Form that will be posted online under Student Affairs. The VPSA/ DOS (or designee) may also assist the student in navigating this process. The student’s concisely written request must include:
- Date(s) the problem occurred;
- Name(s) of the respondent(s) and their position;
- Narrative of the grievance outlining alleged actions to have taken place;
- Avenues that already have been pursued; and
- Specific remedy desired.
5. The VPSA/ DOS will review the submission to determine the present status of the problem. The VPSA/ DOS may consult all parties if the status is unclear. Should a student complete the Student Complaint and Grievance Form before attempting to address the grievance as outlined in the process, the Vice President for Student Affairs will refer the student to the appropriate individuals and advise them to begin the process.
6. The VPSA/ DOS will forward unresolved submissions to the Review Board. The Review Board will consist of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Supervising Vice President, and Human Resources with consultation from the President’s Office. If the VPSA/DOS fulfills the role of Supervising Vice President, a designee will be appointed by the President’s Office. The Review Board will consider the grievance and may either:
- Determine reasonable measures were taken and/ or uphold previous resolution(s).
- Decide to further investigate, review, or mediate the grievance.
The Review Board has 10 business days from the submission of the formal grievance to notify the student in writing of the Review Board’s decision.
7. When the Review Board determines a grievance needs to be further investigated, reviewed, or mediated, the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee) will send letters to the grievant and respondent outlining the specific grievance and suggesting a timeline for the proceedings. Any schedule must consider the time constraints inherent within or between semesters. All parties will receive written allegations.
8. Findings made by the Review Board are confidentially communicated to the University President who will determine if any further action is needed. Any necessary communication with relevant parties will come from the President’s Office. No further appeals exist beyond this step.