Petitions and Complaints
Students maintain the right to petition the Program for any variance from standard policy or procedure. See Section 3.1.1 about petitioning to waive a course.
11.1.1 Format of Petitions
Written petitions should be submitted to the Executive Committee. Petitions should include the specific request, a complete explanation of why the request is being made and supporting documentation.
Forms are available for petitions for Withdrawal/Leave of Absence as well as for Extension/Continuation of the program online through the Registrar section of the website. All other petitions should be submitted in the form of a letter addressed to the student’s Research Mentor.
11.1.2 Approval of Petitions
All petitions should be submitted to the Executive Committee (via email to the Program Manager, with cc to Program Director/Associate Director) for review. All petitions must be approved by majority vote of the Executive Committee at this monthly meeting or by e-mail vote if there are extenuating circumstances.
The Program Director or Associate Director will be responsible for communicating the results of the petition process to the student in writing within one week of the meeting. A copy of this written communication will be placed in the student’s academic file.
Students are encouraged to address specific complaints about courses to their instructors and address specific concerns about mentorship or advising to their Research Mentor or Faculty Advisor. If there is failure to resolve the complaint, or if students have complaints about the PhD Program or about the Institute, they can then file a complaint for action.
11.2.1 Submission of the Complaint
Complaints of an academic nature should be submitted in writing to the Program Director/Associate Director.
11.2.2 Format of Complaints
This document should include the specific complaint, a complete explanation of the circumstances surrounding the complaint, and any supporting documentation pertinent to the complaint. The written complaint is filed with the Program in a designated “Complaint” file.
11.2.3 Resolution of the Complaint
The complaint is initially addressed by the Program Director and/or Associate Director. If the complaint remains unresolved, then the student may write a petition for discussion at the next monthly Executive Committee meeting. If the complaint is still not resolved, the student may wish to follow the procedures as stated in the Institute Catalog. The student’s Research Mentor will be responsible for communicating the resolution of the complaint to the student in writing within one week. A copy of this written communication will be placed in the student’s file and in a Program Complaint file.
11.2.4 Other Grievance and Appeal Procedures
It is the policy of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) that all students be treated fairly and that evaluations of their academic performance, standing, and progress are conducted objectively. The faculty in the SHRS are committed to grading and student evaluation practices that are fair, objective, and consistent with the standards required for successful health professions education and practice. Students should follow the Institute Catalog for grievances and appeals related to a warning, suspension, or dismissal. The Process for Challenging a Final Course Grade is outlined in the Institute Catalog under Grading Policy.
To report bias and other incidents (non-Title IX), students can submit an Incident Report form through the Office of Student and Alumni Services. Students must provide their name and IHP email address in the report, which will be reviewed by the Dean of Student and Alumni Services. Students, faculty and staff can also submit reports anonymously through the Institute Input form, which will be reviewed by the IHP President.