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Student Disciplinary / Complaint / Grievance Procedures

Student Complaint Procedure

Everglades University’s primary objective is to help its students meet their career goals. Occasionally, students have concerns or problems that need to be addressed. Students can confidentially discuss their problems at any time with instructors, the Student Services Department, or any staff member. Additionally, the University President, Vice President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Department Chairs maintain an open-door policy regarding students’ problems.

All students are entitled to fair processes and procedures. The University has procedures that allow its students to be heard, convey to the administration concerns they may have and provide a fair hearing for students. The University will retain permanent records concerning formal complaints for a period of five years.

Student Complaint General

The University is committed to its students and would like to know about student concerns. Students may voice concerns through normal administrative procedures which include meeting with the Student Services Department, or any staff member. Additionally, the University President, Vice President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Department Chairs maintain an open-door policy regarding students’ problems.

A student who would like to file a written complaint about any issue can do so through the Student Services Department. These procedures apply only to student complaints received in writing.

A written complaint is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax. Complaints may not be submitted by email. Complaints should be clearly dated.

All written student complaints will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the complaint. The date of receipt should be marked on the complaint.

Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the complaint, the appropriate administrative office of the University will inform the complainant regarding the institutional response to the complaint.

Students have the right to appeal the University’s decision in the event they are not satisfied with the University’s response.

The steps to request an appeal are as follows:

Appeal Policy and Procedures

The Appeal Committee Panel is a standing committee that meets as needed. The voting members of the committee/panel consist of two (2) faculty members, two (2) staff members, and one (1) student. The voting members of the committee/panel should be non-biased participants. The Director of Student Services is the facilitator of the appeal hearing and is a non-voting member of the proceedings.

Appeal Process and Procedure

Complete a “Request for an Appeal Committee” form. The form must be signed and dated with a full explanation of the problem/reason for the appeal concerning the student. The form must include the names and relation of any additional people to be there on behalf of the student. The student may bring legal counsel to the hearing but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case to the panel.

Student Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal

The University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is detailed in the catalog on pages 58-61. Everglades University students are entitled to fair processes and procedures. Students have the right to appeal Satisfactory Academic Progress decisions by filing a Student Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal.

  • A Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal may not be submitted by email. The student appeal must be based on mitigating circumstances. These include serious illness or injury of a student or serious illness, injury or death of a student’s immediate family member, or other special circumstances. The appeal must also include an explanation as to what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow him/her to make satisfactory academic progress in the returning semester. Enclose supporting documentation from medical doctors, advisors, psychologists, death notices, separation notices, divorce decree, accident reports, etc.
  • All written student Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the grievance. The date of receipt should be marked on the appeal.
  • The Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Panel consisting of the Campus Vice President, Financial Aid Director, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Faculty member will meet to review the grievance and make a decision to grant or deny the appeal.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the grievance, the Dean of Academic Affairs will inform the student regarding the institutional response to the appeal. One of two actions can be taken: Deny Reinstatement of Student; or Reinstate Student on Financial Aid Probation.
  • If the decision is to reinstate the student on Financial Aid Probation, the response will include an academic plan.
  • The student can request a meeting as part of the appeal process and must inform the University of additional people who will be in attendance on their behalf. The student may bring legal counsel to the meeting but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case.
  • The decision of the panel is final.

Student Grade Appeal Complaint

The University provides all students with a course syllabus at the beginning of each course. The course syllabus includes the grading policy for the course. The

University faculty members follow the grading policy stated on the syllabus and in the University catalog in order to award fair grades to all students. A student who feels their grade has been incorrectly calculated may file a grade appeal complaint. A grade appeal complaint should be submitted to the Dean of Academic Affairs in the

Academic Department. These procedures apply only to student grade appeal complaints received in writing. Students wishing to file a complaint regarding a faculty member would do so under the general student complaint policy procedures. Grade appeal complaints are to determine that grade calculations have been completed per the syllabus and University catalog.

  • A grade appeal complaint is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax. Grade appeal complaints may not be submitted by email. Grade appeal complaints should be dated and the reason for the grade appeal should be clearly stated.
  • All written student grade appeal complaints will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the grade appeal. The date of receipt should be marked on the grade appeal.
  • The Dean of Academic Affairs will meet with the faculty member to review the grading policy and grade books to determine if an error exists.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the grade appeal complaint, the Dean of Academic Affairs will inform the complainant regarding the institutional response to the grade appeal complaint.
  • Students have the right to appeal the decision of the Dean of Academic Affairs by submitting a written appeal request and supporting documentation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 10 days of the decision. The student can request a meeting as part of the appeal process and must inform the University of additional representatives who will be in attendance on their behalf. The student may bring legal counsel to the meeting but legal counsel cannot speak on behalf of the student. The student must represent them self and present his/her case.
  • The Vice President of Academic Affairs will acknowledge the written request for appeal within 10 business days of receipt and will schedule a meeting date and time if so requested.
  • The Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the documentation, syllabus, faculty records and University grading policy to determine if an error exists.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of the written request for the appeal, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will inform/meet with the complainant regarding the University’s decision regarding the grade appeal. This decision shall be binding.

Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities/FERPA Complaints

Everglades University admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. The University’s policy of equal opportunity employment and affirmative action, consistent with Federal policy, is that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, handicap, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or belief, be excluded from any training, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination in any hiring practice or activity at the University.

Everglades University complies with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) requiring that no qualified handicapped person will be excluded by reason of the handicap from enrolling in a course of instruction. Students wishing to avail themselves of special adjustments/accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act must disclose special needs at time of enrollment. Accordingly, every effort is made to make reasonable adjustments/accommodations. Certain programs may require manual dexterity. Please consult campus Admissions Offices for further information.

Everglades University complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act-1974 (Public Law 93-380) concerning student records. Student information will only be released to any person, agency or legal authority as required by subpoena/legal process or by consent of the student (or eligible parent). Information will only be released on a consent basis where the student or eligible parent has provided written consent, signed, dated and specifying the information to be released, the reason for release and the name(s) of persons to whom the information is to be released.

  • A student who feels they have not been treated fairly under the University’s stated federal policies has the right to file a written complaint. A complaint should be submitted to the Vice President of the University. These procedures apply only to complaints received in writing.
  • A complaint is submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or by fax. Complaints may not be submitted by email. Complaints should be dated.
  • All written complaints will be acknowledged by the University within 10 business days of receipt of the complaint. The date of receipt should be marked on the complaint.
  • Within 15 business days after acknowledging receipt of an Equal Opportunity, Americans with Disabilities, or FERPA complaint, the Vice President will inform the complainant regarding the institutional response to the written complaint.
  • Students have the right to file a grievance with the University in the event they are not satisfied with the University’s response.

The steps to request a grievance are as follows:

Grievance Policy and Procedures
Grievance Process and Procedure

Student Disciplinary Procedures

When a student violates Everglades University’s standards of conduct in the classroom, the faculty member is the first level of discipline. If the situation demands further action, the second level of discipline would be the Department Chair or Dean of Academic Affairs, and finally the Vice President of Academic Affairs. In the absence of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the University President, Vice President, or Vice President of Academic Affairs would determine the disciplinary actions. If the student has a serious objection to the disciplinary action imposed, he/she has the right to file a grievance.

When a student violates Everglades University’s standards of conduct outside the classroom, but on campus, the Dean of Academic Affairs or Department Chair should immediately be contacted as the first level of discipline. The next level would be the University Vice President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and then the University President. If the student is dissatisfied with the disciplinary action imposed, the student has the right to file a grievance.

Enrollment Agreement Disputes/Arbitration Policy

The University’s enrollment agreement is the legal binding document between the student and the University. It is agreed that in the event the parties to this enrollment agreement are unable to amicably resolve any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this agreement, or if a claim is made by either against the other or any agent or affiliate of the other, the dispute, claim or controversy shall be resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules.

If this chosen forum or method of arbitration is unavailable, or for any reason cannot be followed, a court having jurisdiction hereunder may appoint a panel of arbitrators pursuant to section 682.04, F.S. The expenses and fees of the arbitrator(s) incurred in the conduct of the arbitration shall be split evenly between the parties to the arbitration; however, if Everglades University prevails in the arbitration proceeding, Everglades University will be entitled to any reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in the defense of the student claim. Venue for any proceeding relating to arbitration of claims shall be in the county wherein the institution is located. This agreement cannot be modified except in writing by the parties.

In the event a student has not been able to resolve a concern with the institution, the student may submit such concern to the following for review and response:

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500

Office of Articulation, Florida Department of Education

Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Student Concerns website.

California Distance Education Students

Pursuant to California Education Code § 94801.5(b): Non-public higher education institutions that are degree granting, non-profit, and accredited are exempt and need not register with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Everglades University students residing in California that wish to make a complaint may do so through the complaint process below:

A complaint may be filed by writing to DCA or calling DCA’s Consumer Information Center (CIC) at:

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, California 95834
Telephone: (833) 942-1120

[email protected]