To support its commitment to equality and due process, Brescia University has established procedures for addressing student grievances. Brescia University procedures are different from legal avenues.
A grievance constitutes a formal complaint contesting the perceived injustice of a specific action or judgment imposed directly upon a student by a Brescia University official or an officially sponsored University organization.
| Issue | Action |
|---|---|
| Is your complaint about a policy or procedure but not the application of it? | This process may not be used to challenge policies or procedures. Submit a comment on the policy or discuss it with the area responsible. |
| Is your complaint about facilities? | Submit a work order request with Maintenance |
| Is your complaint against another student? | Refer to the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students at [email protected] |
| Is your complaint about a disciplinary decision administered by Student Affairs? | Refer to the procedures in the Student Handbook |
| Is your complaint about a financial aid decision, rule, and/or regulation? | Refer to the Financial Aid appeal procedures as outlined in the Student Handbook or contact Financial Aid at [email protected] |
| Is your complaint against a faculty or staff member? | Refer to the faculty or staff member's supervisor. Information is available with the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected] |
| Is your complaint about your course grade? | Refer to the Academic Evaluation Appeal Process as outlined in the Student Handbook |
| Do you believe your concern is about a violation of a policy or procedure? | File a Student Grievance: Student Complaint and Grievance Form |
| Do you believe your concern involves unequal application or unequal use of a policy or procedure (including, but not limited to, the inappropriate non-application or non-use of a policy or procedure)? | File a Student Grievance: Student Complaint and Grievance Form |
| Is your complaint about computer equipment or technology? | File a request at the Helpdesk at https://helpdesk.brescia.edu/hesk/ |
| Is your complaint related to disability accommodation? | Contact the Office of Disability Services: [email protected] |
NOTE: The separate policy and procedure for student grievances against other students is found in the Conduct Policy in the Student Handbook. This Grievance Procedure is not an avenue for appealing student conduct sanctions. There is a separate procedure for appealing sanctions resulting from student conduct hearings.
NOTE: While this grievance procedure is for grievances against current employees, any grievances against a former employee are managed on a case-by-case basis. As with all grievances, the report will be documented, and reasonable supportive measures will be offered.
Students may file grievances for:
Academic Issues: Regarding course grades or academic dishonesty (please see the Academic Policies and Services section of this handbook for Grade Review and Academic Dishonesty policies);
Administrative Issues: Regarding application of college policies; decisions pertaining to Brescia’s co-curricular program and decisions regarding student records, rights, financial matters, and work-study employment; and
Discrimination Issues: Regarding unlawful discrimination in the areas of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, or discrimination based on sexual orientation or marital status.
Concurring Grievances
When there is a communicated grievance that falls under more than one category (i.e. Administrative/ Discrimination and Academic), the grievance process will consider the process of each timeline. When Academic concerns are part of the grievance such as in the case of a grade appeal, the outlined Academic timeline will be the default. However, the Review Board will follow the membership criteria under the Administrative and Grievance process.
Concurring Title IX Events
When information related to a suspected Title IX complaint is disclosed or discovered during the grievance process, there will be a temporary pause in the grievance process. The grievance and related information will be transferred to the Title IX Coordinator for further investigation and consultation. This may cause a delay in the grievance process due to the temporary pause. The Title IX Coordinator may advise one of the following:
- The grievance proceedings must pause to allow for the Title IX process
- The Title IX complaint is unrelated to the grievance, and the grievance proceedings shall continue
- Title IX does not apply, and the grievance proceedings shall continue
- The grievance and Title IX complaint are related, and a joint process is recommended
When a joint process is recommended, the Title IX process will be the default process. However, the Hearing Board will follow the Review Board Membership criteria under the grievance process.
External Options
Inquiries about allegations of discrimination and/or harassment for individuals with disabilities may also be made directly to:
- The Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, The Wanamaker Building, Suite 515, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 656-8548
- The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, 832 Capital Plaza, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 60601, (502) 564-3550
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Place, Suite 268, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 1-800-669-4000; TTY (800) 669-6820.
Review Board Membership
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. There may be times in which the Review Board make-up may need to be adjusted such as in a conflict of interest or when a member of the Review Board is part of the grievance. A designee may be selected when members are unable to serve. Additionally, prior to any meeting of the Review Board, the President will be advised of the circumstances giving rise to the need for the Review Board. At such time, the President may elect to add or adjust the Review Board to reflect any special considerations that need to be made when considering the grievance. In the event that the President is a party to the grievance, the President’s role will be filled by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Grievance Log & Notification
While many offices may log complaints, the Vice President for Student Affairs keeps a log of all student grievances. 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. Students will receive written notification within 10 business days from the submission of the formal grievance in writing of the Review Board’s decision or next steps in the Grievance Process.
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.
Student Advocacy
While students may elect any Brescia University student, faculty, or staff member to assist them during formal grievance procedures, students are encouraged to reach out to the Vice President of Student Affairs/ Dean of Students to discuss individuals on campus who are familiar with the procedures and who are skilled in assisting students in understanding their rights and obligations. Students should be empowered with the resources to make informed decisions and take a proactive role in addressing their concerns. Having a well-informed advocate can help students identify resources and support as they navigate the grievance process.