Communication

Rochester University strives to maintain open communication and create an atmosphere of trust. In any community, there are times when the need arises to express concerns or complaints in a formal manner. It is always our choice that prior to a formal grievance being filed, that students attempt to reconcile any problem in a manner befitting Christian values and standards. The University recognizes the importance of providing an opportunity for its students to express concerns and for the University to have a consistent way of resolving those concerns in a fair and just manner.

To submit a grievance, please complete the Rochester University Student Grievance Form. The purpose of this form is to provide information, accountability, and a method for student grievances to be expressed and heard by appropriate administration and relevant parties involved. It is the first step in an important process aimed to ensure that student voices are heard and appropriate attention given to their grievances.

NONGRIEVABLE MATTERS: A student may not use this procedure for grievances related to the following matters:

● Academic regulations (including grade appeals and curricular requests) ● Access to educational records (FERPApolicy) ● Student Code of Conduct (student handbook) ● Disability services (student disability grievance procedure) ● Discrimination and Harassment (Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy) ● Parking citation appeals (Public Safety parking regulations) ● Public Safety complaints (Community input form) ● Sexual misconduct (student sexual misconduct policy) ● Student employment (employee grievance procedure) ● Billing

Refer to each specific grievance procedure for deadlines and complaint procedures.

Informal Resolution of General Complaints

Students are strongly encouraged to resolve concerns or complaints by directly discussing the matter with the person or department in which the issue originated. If the complaint is not resolved, the next contact will be with the supervisor or responsible administrator to conduct an inquiry into the issue. The student should attempt to resolve the complaint informally as soon as possible but at least within 30 days of the occurrence. Upon request from any student, the Dean of Students Office will provide guidance about the appropriate way to address a complaint informally.

Formal Resolution of General Complaints

If the matter is unresolved after following the informal complaint resolution process or the student chooses not to use the informal process, the student may submit a formal written complaint to the head of the department where the issue originated. If the complaint is about the head of the department, the student may submit a formal written complaint to the head of the division. If the student is not certain where to direct the complaint, or in cases where the student submits the complaint to the wrong department, the complaint shall be routed to the Dean of Students Office, and someone from that office will provide guidance on where to file the complaint.