Student Academic Grievance Policy
Whenever a student has a grievance/complaint regarding a matter
related to academic affairs at Lincoln University, the following
procedures shall apply when a student believes that a faculty
member has infringed upon the student’s academic rights as set
forth in this policy. In cases in which the student is challenging
an instructor’s conduct of the course, classroom management style,
or assignment of a grade received in connection with a course,
the student shall follow the grade appeal procedure applicable
to the school or college in which the course is offered.
1. The student shall first attempt resolution by seeking an appointment
with the instructor in question. If, to the student, this does
not seem a feasible course, or if a personal conversation with
the instructor has been attempted, but a resolution satisfactory
to the student’s grievance is not obtained, the student may seek
resolution through a written appeal to the instructor’s Department
Chair, who will attempt to resolve the matter between the student
and the instructor. If the grievance or complaint is against the
Department Chair, then proceed to number 3 below.
2. If a resolution satisfactory to the student is not obtained
through appeal to the Department Chair, the student may seek resolution
through a written appeal to the School Dean.
3. The Dean (or the Dean’s designee) may attempt informal resolution
through discussion with the student and faculty member. The Dean
will consider the student’s appeal and issue a written decision
and remedy. Appropriate precautions should be taken to safeguard
the confidentiality of the grievance proceedings, including information
about the outcome.
4. Either party to a grievance appeal (whether instructor or
student) may appeal the decision of the Dean to the Vice President
for Academic Affairs, in writing, within ten (10) days following
notice of the Dean’s decision. A written reply by the other party
must be filed within ten (10) days after receipt of the appeal.
The Dean’s decision shall be stayed pending appeal. The Vice President
for Academic Affairs has discretion to determine the information
and procedure that he/she will utilize in deciding each appeal.
The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (in writing)
shall be final.
Record-keeping and Reporting
The Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs shall ensure that mechanisms
and procedures are in place for maintenance of all confidential
records pertaining to all grievances brought pursuant to this
policy. In addition, all relevant officers in the grievance process
shall provide a report on all grievances pursuant to this policy
each semester to the Chairperson of the Academic Affairs Committees
of the Board of Trustees, and establish a mechanism for annual
reviews of this policy and its effectiveness by appropriate University
officials and the Board of Trustees.
Effective Date
This policy shall become effective on March 1, 2007
Student Non-Academic Grievance Procedure
Whenever a student has a grievance/complaint regarding a matter
not related to academic affairs at Lincoln University, the following
procedures shall apply when a student believes that a staff member
has infringed upon the student’s rights as set forth in this policy.
1. The student shall first attempt resolution by seeking an appointment
with the staff member in question. If, to the student, this does
not seem a feasible course, or if a personal conversation with
the staff member has been attempted, but a resolution satisfactory
to the student’s grievance is not obtained, the student may seek
resolution through a written appeal to the director of the office
or department, who will attempt to resolve the matter between
the student and the staff member. If the complaint/grievance is
against the director, then the student will proceed to number
3 below.
2. If a resolution satisfactory to the student is not obtained
through appeal to the department or office director, the student
may seek resolution through a written appeal to the Area Dean
or Comptroller.
3. The Dean/Comptroller (or the Dean’s/Comptroller’s designee)
may attempt informal resolution through discussion with the student
and staff member or director. The Dean or Comptroller will consider
the student’s appeal and issue a written decision and remedy.
Appropriate precautions should be taken to safeguard the confidentiality
of the grievance proceedings, including information about the
outcome.
4. Either party to a grievance appeal (whether staff member,
director or student) may appeal the decision of the Dean or Comptroller
to the Vice President for Student Affairs or Fiscal Affairs, respectively,
in writing, within ten (10) days following notice of the Dean’s
or Comptroller’s decision. A written reply by the other party
must be filed within ten (10) days after receipt of the appeal.
The Dean’s or Comptroller’s decision shall be stayed pending appeal.
The Vice Presidents for Student Affairs and Fiscal Affairs have
discretion to determine the information and procedure that he/she
will utilize in deciding each appeal. The decision of the Vice
President for Student Affairs or Fiscal Affairs (in writing) shall
be final.
Record-keeping and Reporting
The Vice Presidents for Student Affairs and Fiscal Affairs shall
ensure that mechanisms and procedures are in place for maintenance
of all confidential records pertaining to all grievances brought
pursuant to this policy. In addition, all relevant officers in
the grievance process shall provide a report on all grievances
pursuant to this policy each semester to the Chairperson of the
Student Affairs and Business Affairs Committees of the Board of
Trustees, and establish a mechanism for annual reviews of this
policy and its effectiveness by appropriate University officials
and the Board of Trustees.
Effective Date
This policy shall become effective on March 1, 2007
