Process
To initiate a student grievance procedure, the student's request in writing, as mentioned above, shall be made to the chairperson of the Hearing Committee, with a copy to the student's Program Director and the faculty member/administrator involved. The request must include information to support the claim of a violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of existing rules, procedures, and regulations. In addition, the letter should outline the actions taken to date. The chairperson of the Hearing Committee will convene a Hearing Panel, according to the committee's established procedure, to review and investigate the student's case. Both student and faculty or administrator involved has the right to seek and submit supporting documentation. All evidence must be submitted to the Panel chairperson three business days prior to the hearing for review by all Panel members. A transcriber must be present at the hearing to record verbatim the entire proceeding. Neither party involved in the grievance may have an attorney present at the hearing. After hearing all evidence, the Hearing Panel reaches a decision based on a simple majority rule. The chairperson of the Hearing Panel informs the student of the Panel's decision, in writing, no later than five business days following the hearing. Copies of this letter are sent, at the same time, to the faculty or administrator involved the student's Program Director, and the Institute's President.
The decision of the Hearing Panel is final. No Institute Committee, Program Committee, faculty member or administrator has the right to overrule the decision of the Hearing Panel.