Complaint and Grievances

Understanding that some academic programs and activities encourage specific business ventures by students, this notice may not apply to the business ventures of students approved by the dean of the college or his/her designee in which the venture is taking place. Similarly, the Office of Student Activities may approve a business venture when the venture relates to a student organization or other co-curricular activity. There is no formal process of approval; however, the dean of the college or his/her designee(s) or the Office of Student Activities must have actual knowledge of the business venture’s existence before consideration will be given to whether approval exists.

Complaint and Grievances Missouri Baptist University Internal Processes

If an MBU University student has a grievance regarding the student’s academic division or an administrative procedure the student has the right to request a review of his or her particular situation. The student must first attempt to resolve the problem by contacting the relevant department directly and requesting a review of his or her situation. If the grievance is not resolved by contacting the department directly the student should follow up with an e-mail to the representative of that department / area and detail the concern so that the student’s concern is documented. The recipient of the e-mail, or an appropriate area designee, will respond in a timely manner.

Because the University already has several published policies and mechanisms for dispute resolution in place, students who contact the Vice President for Student Development & Dean of Students, or his or her designee, may be redirected (back) to the Dean/Division Chair of the relevant academic college or area if it is clear that the process and response were reviewed appropriately and in keeping with the published process; for example grade appeals, etc. (see: Academic Catalog) in these cases the college or area decision and response may be deemed final.

After contacting the appropriate department directly and receiving a final response as described above, any student who still believes he or she has been treated unfairly by a university employee or process, may seek review with possible alternative resolution through the Division of Student Development. “Unfairly” means there was no process of review as described above or in a University publication; or adequate explanation of the final disposition to the student’s grievance; or there was a noted bias on the part of the decision maker, which affected the decision.

Students may file a formal complaint by completing the Student Complaint Form describing the treatment, action, final decision given by the academic or administrative area and the remedy still sought. Complaints will be investigated and / or referred to other offices as necessary. A written response regarding the issue will be sent to the student who initiated the complaint within 30 days.

The Vice President for Student Development & Dean of Students, or designee, serves as the primary coordinator of response and support to students with concerns or those students experiencing a crisis.