Everglades University
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Student Complaint Procedures

Everglades University’s primary objective is to help its students meet their career goals. Occasionally, students have concerns or problems that need to be addressed. Students can confidentially discuss their problems at any time with instructors, the Student Services Department, or any staff member. Additionally, the University President, Vice President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Department Chairs maintain an open-door policy regarding students’ problems.

All students are entitled to fair processes and procedures.  The University has procedures that allow its students to be heard, convey to the administration concerns they may have and provide a fair hearing for students.  The University will retain permanent records concerning formal complaints for a period of five years.

Student Complaint General

The University is committed to its students and would like to know about student concerns.  Students may voice concerns through normal administrative procedures which include meeting with the Student Services Department, or any staff member. Additionally, the University President, Vice President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Department Chairs maintain an open-door policy regarding students’ problems. 

A student who would like to file a written complaint about any issue can do so through the Student Services Department.  These procedures apply only to student complaints received in writing.

  • A written complaint is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax. Complaints may not be submitted by email. Complaints should be clearly dated.
  • All written student complaints will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the complaint. The date of receipt should be marked on the complaint.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the complaint, the appropriate administrative office of the University will inform the complainant regarding the institutional response to the complaint.
  • Students have the right to appeal the University’s decision in the event they are not satisfied with the University's response.

The steps to request an appeal are as follows:

Appeal Policy and Procedures

Introduction

The Appeal Committee Panel is a standing committee that meets as needed.  The voting members of the committee/panel consist of two (2) faculty members, two (2) staff members, and one (1) student. The voting members of the committee/panel should be non-biased participants. The Director of Student Services is the facilitator of the appeal hearing and is a non-voting member of the proceedings. 

Purpose

The Appeal Committee Panel exists as a mechanism to provide a fair hearing for students.  The goal of the Panel is to ascertain if Everglades University’s action was fair and appropriate. The Panel will hear evidence, ask questions, review the catalog/handbook policies, deliberate and render an advisory ruling that, upon approval by the President, will become binding upon the administration as well as the student who filed the appeal.

Request for Appeal

The “Request for an Appeal Committee” form may be obtained from the Director of Student Services at any time during normal business hours.  The request form contains the name of the student requesting the appeal process, the date, space for a narrative explanation of the problem/reason for the appeal, name and relation of anyone that will be attending the appeal process with the student and a signature blank.

All “Requests for an Appeal Committee” by a student should be submitted to the Director of Student Services.

Appeal Process and Procedure

  • Complete a “Request for an Appeal Committee” form.  The form must be signed and dated with a full explanation of the problem/reason for the appeal concerning the student. The form must include the names and relation of any additional people to be there on behalf of the student.  The student may bring legal counsel to the hearing but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case to the panel.
  • The “Request for an Appeal Committee” form must be submitted to the Director of Student Services.
  • Upon receipt of the “Request for an Appeal Committee,” the Director of Student Services will schedule the hearing within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
  • The Director of Student Services will return a copy of the Request form to the student with the bottom portion completed to indicate date, place, and time of the hearing.
  • On the day of the appeal, the Director of Student Services will present a brief introduction of the student requesting the appeal as well as members of the panel who will hear the issues.  The Director of Student Services will also provide a brief overview of the nature and chronology of the proceedings.
  • The student will have ten (10) minutes in which to present his/her views, documentation, and/or other evidence in opposition to the position or action taken by the University.
  • During the presentation of the student, members of the panel will have the opportunity to ask questions and view any documentation provided by the student.
  • A representative of the University will have ten (10) minutes in which to present the position of the University and/or the basis for the action taken by the University.
  • Following the conclusion of the presentation by the University representative, both the student and the representative of the University will have the opportunity for a three (3) minute rebuttal.  The student will be permitted to rebut first and the University second.
  • Following the rebuttal, the Director of Student Services will ask for final questions.

a)    The student will be instructed as to the date that they can expect notification of the Appeal Panel’s decision.

b)    Then the student and the University representative will be excused.

  • The members of the panel will deliberate. This decision will be forwarded to the President for approval.  Absent extenuating circumstances, the student requesting the hearing will be notified of the decision within seventy-two (72) hours (3 Business Days).

Student Grade Appeal Complaint

The University provides all students with a course syllabus at the beginning of each course.  The course syllabus includes the grading policy for the course.  The University faculty members follow the grading policy stated on the syllabus and in the University catalog in order to award fair grades to all students. 

A student who feels their grade has been incorrectly calculated may file a grade appeal complaint.  A grade appeal complaint should be submitted to the Dean of Academic Affairs in the Academic Department.  These procedures apply only to student grade appeal complaints received in writing.  Students wishing to file a complaint regarding a faculty member would do so under the general student complaint policy procedures.  Grade appeal complaints are to determine that grade calculations have been completed per the syllabus and University catalog.

  • A grade appeal complaint is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax. Grade appeal complaints may not be submitted by email. Grade appeal complaints should be dated and the reason for the grade appeal should be clearly stated.
  • All written student grade appeal complaints will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the grade appeal. The date of receipt should be marked on the grade appeal.
  • The Dean of Academic Affairs will meet with the faculty member to review the grading policy and grade books to determine if an error exists.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the grade appeal complaint, the Dean of Academic Affairs will inform the complainant regarding the institutional response to the grade appeal complaint.
  • Students have the right to appeal the decision of the Dean of Academic Affairs by submitting a written appeal request and supporting documentation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 10 days of the decision. The student can request a meeting as part of the appeal process and must inform the University of additional people who will be in attendance on his/her behalf. The student may bring legal counsel to the meeting but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case.
  • The Vice President of Academic Affairs will acknowledge the written request for appeal within 10 business days of receipt and will schedule a meeting date and time if so requested.
  • The Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the documentation, syllabus, faculty records and University grading policy to determine if an error exists. 
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the written request for the appeal, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will inform/meet with the complainant regarding the University’s decision regarding the grade appeal.  This decision shall be binding. 

Equal Opportunity/Handicapped Policy/FERPA Complaints

Everglades University admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. The University's policy of equal opportunity employment and affirmative action, consistent with Federal policy, is that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, handicap, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, or belief, be excluded from any training, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination in any hiring practice or activity at the University. 

Everglades University complies with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) requiring that no qualified handicapped person will be excluded by reason of the handicap from enrolling in a course of instruction. Students wishing to avail themselves of special accommodations under the American Disabilities Act must disclose special needs. Accordingly, every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodation.

Everglades University complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act-1974 (Public Law 93-380) concerning student records.  Student information will only be released to any person, agency or legal authority as required by subpoena/legal process or by consent of the student (or eligible parent).  Information will only be released on a consent basis where the student or eligible parent has provided written consent, signed, dated and specifying the information to be released, the reason for release and the name(s) of persons to whom the information is to be released.

A student who feels they have not been treated fairly under the University’s stated federal policies has the right to file a written complaint.   A complaint should be submitted to the Vice President of the University.  These procedures apply only to complaints received in writing. 

  • A complaint is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax. Complaints may not be submitted by email. Complaints should be dated.
  • All written complaints will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the grade appeal. The date of receipt should be marked on the grade appeal.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the handicapped policy complaint, the Vice President will inform the complainant regarding the institutional response to the written complaint.
  • Students have the right to file a grievance with the University in the event they are not satisfied with the University's response.

The steps to request a grievance are as follows:

Grievance Policy and Procedures

Introduction

The Grievance Committee Panel is a standing committee that meets as needed.  The voting members of the committee/panel consist of two (2) faculty members, two (2) staff members, and one (1) student. The voting members of the committee/panel should be non-biased participants. The Director Student Services is the facilitator of the grievance hearing and is a non-voting member of the proceedings. 

Purpose

The Grievance Committee/Panel exists as a mechanism to provide a fair hearing for students.  The goal of the Panel is to ascertain if Everglades University’s policy has been adhered to. The Panel will hear evidence, ask questions, review the catalog/handbook policies, deliberate and render an advisory ruling that, upon approval by the President, will become binding upon the administration as well as the student who filed the grievance.

Request for Grievance

The “Request for a Grievance Committee” form may be obtained from the Director of Student Services at any time during normal business hours.  The request form contains the name of the student requesting the grievance process, the date, space for a narrative explanation of the problem/reason for the grievance, name and relation of anyone that will be attending the grievance process with the student and a signature blank.

All “Requests for a Grievance Committee” by a student should be submitted to the Director of Student Services.

Grievance Process and Procedure

  • Complete a “Request for a Grievance Committee” form.  The form must be signed and dated with a full explanation of the problem/reason for the appeal concerning the student. The form must include the names and relation of any additional people to be there on behalf of the student.  The student may bring legal counsel to the hearing but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case to the panel.
  • The “Request for a Grievance Committee” form must be submitted to the Director of Student Services.
  • Upon receipt of the “Request for a Grievance Committee,” the Director of Student Services will schedule the hearing within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
  • The Director of Student Services will return a copy of the Request form to the student with the bottom portion completed to indicate date, place, and time of the Hearing.

·         On the day of the appeal, the Director of Student Services will present a brief introduction of the student requesting the appeal as well as members of the panel who will hear the issues.  The Director of Student Services will also provide a brief overview of the nature and chronology of the proceedings.

  • The student will have ten (10) minutes in which to present his/her views, documentation, and/or other evidence in opposition to the position or action taken by the University.
  • During the presentation of the student, members of the panel will have the opportunity to ask questions and view any documentation provided by the student.
  • A representative of the University will have ten (10) minutes in which to present the position of the University and/or the basis for the action taken by the University.
  • Following the conclusion of the presentation by the University representative, both the student and the representative of the University will have the opportunity for a three (3) minute rebuttal.  The student will be permitted to rebut first and the University second.
  • Following the rebuttal, the Director of Student Services will ask for final questions.

a)    The student will be instructed as to the date that they can expect notification of the Grievance Panel’s decision.

b)    Then the student and the University representative will be excused.

  • The members of the panel will deliberate. This decision will be forwarded to the President for approval.  Absent extenuating circumstances, the student requesting the hearing will be notified of the decision within seventy-two (72) hours (3 Business Days).

Student Disciplinary Procedures 

When a student violates Everglades University’s standards of conduct in the classroom, the faculty member is the first level of discipline. If the situation demands further action, the second level of discipline would be the Department Chair or Dean of Academic Affairs, and finally the Vice President of Academic Affairs. In the absence of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the University President, Vice President, or Vice President of Academic Affairs would determine the disciplinary actions. If the student has a serious objection to the disciplinary action imposed, he/she has the right to file a grievance.

When a student violates Everglades University’s standards of conduct outside the classroom, but on campus, the Dean of Academic Affairs or Department Chair should immediately be contacted as the first level of discipline. The next level would be the University Vice President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and then the University President. If the student is dissatisfied with the disciplinary action imposed, the student has the right to file a grievance.

Grievance Policy and Procedures

Introduction

The Grievance Committee Panel is a standing committee that meets as needed.  The voting members of the committee/panel consist of two (2) faculty members, two (2) staff members, and one (1) student. The voting members of the committee/panel should be non-biased participants. The Director of Student Services is the facilitator of the grievance hearing and is a non-voting member of the proceedings. 

Purpose

The Grievance Committee/Panel exists as a mechanism to provide a fair hearing for students.  The goal of the Panel is to ascertain if Everglades University policy has been adhered to. The Panel will hear evidence, ask questions, review the catalog/handbook policies, deliberate and render an advisory ruling that, upon approval by the President, will become binding upon the administration as well as the student who filed the grievance.

Request for Grievance Committee

The “Request for a Grievance Committee” form may be obtained from the Director of Student Services at any time during normal business hours.  The request form contains the name of the student requesting the grievance process, the date, space for a narrative explanation of the problem/reason for the grievance, name and relation of anyone that will be attending the grievance process with the student and a signature blank.

All “Requests for a Grievance Committee” by a student should be submitted to the Director of Student Services.

Grievance Process and Procedure

  • Complete a “Request for a Grievance Committee” form.  The form must be signed and dated with a full explanation of the problem/reason for the appeal concerning the student. The form must include the names and relation of any additional people to be there on behalf of the student.  The student may bring legal counsel to the hearing but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case to the panel.
  • The “Request for a Grievance Committee” form must be submitted to the Director of Student Services.
  • Upon receipt of the “Request for a Grievance Committee,” the Director of Student Services will schedule the hearing within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
  • The Director of Student Services will return a copy of the Request form to the student with the bottom portion completed to indicate date, place, and time of the Hearing.
  • On the day of the appeal the Director of Student Services will present a brief introduction of the student requesting the appeal as well as members of the panel who will hear the issues.  The Director of Student Services will also provide a brief overview of the nature and chronology of the proceedings.
  • The student will have ten (10) minutes in which to present his/her views, documentation, and/or other evidence in opposition to the position or action taken by the University.
  • During the presentation of the student, members of the panel will have the opportunity to ask questions and view any documentation provided by the student.
  • A representative of the University will have ten (10) minutes in which to present the position of the University and/or the basis for the action taken by the University.
  • Following the conclusion of the presentation by the University representative, both the student and the representative of the University will have the opportunity for a three (3) minute rebuttal.  The student will be permitted to rebut first and the University second.
  • Following the rebuttal, the Director of Student Services will ask for final questions.

a)    The student will be instructed as to the date that they can expect notification of the Appeal/Grievance Panel’s decision.

b)    Then the student and the University representative will be excused.

  • The members of the panel will deliberate. This decision will be forwarded to the President for approval.  Absent extenuating circumstances, the student requesting the hearing will be notified of the decision within seventy-two (72) hours (3 Business Days).

ACCSCT Student Complaint Policy

Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student does not feel that the University has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Accrediting Commission.  All complaints considered by the Commission must be in written form, with permission from the complainant(s) for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the school for a response. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint as well as the final resolution by the Commission. Please direct all inquiries to: 

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
2101 Wilson Boulevard Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 247-4212

A copy of the Commission's Complaint Form is available at the school and may be obtained by contacting the University President or Vice President.

 Enrollment Agreement Disputes/Arbitration Policy

The University’s enrollment agreement is the legal binding document between the student and the University.  It is agreed that in the event the parties to this enrollment agreement are unable to amicably resolve any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this agreement, or if a claim is made by either against the other or any agent or affiliate of the other, the dispute, claim or controversy shall be resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. If this chosen forum or method of arbitration is unavailable, or for any reason cannot be followed, a court having jurisdiction hereunder may appoint a panel of arbitrators pursuant to section 682.04, F.S. The expenses and fees of the arbitrator(s) incurred in the conduct of the arbitration shall be split evenly between the parties to the arbitration; however, if Everglades University prevails in the arbitration proceeding, Everglades University will be entitled to any reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the defense of the student claim. Venue for any proceeding relating to arbitration of claims shall be in the county wherein the institution is located. This agreement cannot be modified except in writing by the parties.

 

 
 
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