Student Informal Complaints Procedure - EdD and IECD

Pursuant to Fielding Policy

A student complaint/grievance is an allegation by a student that there has been, in an individual case, an arbitrary or discriminatory application of, or failure to act pursuant to, the policies of Fielding Graduate University (specifically within the EdD/IECD programs) in relation to students. To start this procedure, the student sends a formal written request to a designated academic or administrative officer for which specific remedies are requested.

The parties to a grievance are the student filing the grievance and the person(s) against whom the grievance is filed.

Definitions

An academic complaint/grievance is one involving faculty members, the Program Director of a particular program, or the Dean for a particular program/school. Faculty evaluations and grading of student work are based upon the substantive judgment of the faculty and are not subject to a complaint/grievance.

An administrative complaint/grievance is one involving staff of Fielding Graduate University.

The informal complaint/grievance procedure within the EdD/IECD programs is the process a student initiates prior to filing a formal grievance with the University. The student initiating this process must be the individual against whom the alleged infraction has occurred.

A calendar day is any day of the week. For purposes of computing the time periods specified under steps 1 - 3 below, if the last day of this time period falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the last day will be construed as the Monday following that Saturday or Sunday. If the last day falls on a holiday, the last day will be construed as the next regular calendar day following the end of the holiday time period. If the next regular calendar day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the last day will be the following Monday.

EdD/IECD Informal Procedure for Filing Academic and Administrative Complaints

Specific Scope

This procedure is designed for dealing with issues relating to courses; comprehensive assessments; dissertations and dissertation committees; regional or online meetings; mentor relationships; satisfactory academic progress; sessions; and related organizational work.

1. The student raises the issue of concern with the faculty, administrator, student or other person(s) involved. This should be done within 14 calendar days after the student becomes aware there allegedly has been an arbitrary or discriminatory application of, or failure to act pursuant to, the policies of Fielding Graduate University (specifically within the EdD/IECD programs). 2. If the issue is not resolved between the parties within 14 calendar days, the student may contact, in writing or email, the appropriate Program Director. 3. The Program Director will mediate the dispute, within 14 calendar days after being contacted by the student, with the purpose of finding a resolution. During this process, the student may