Grievance Policy
and Procedure
These policies
and procedures apply to Webster University students enrolled at extended campuses
in the United States.
Updated: 12/01/02
Webster University
strives to provide students with a positive, collaborative and healthy approach
to solving disputes with faculty and staff members. The Grievance Policy and
Procedure provides a means for all students (including those at our extended
sites) to bring issues of concern related to faculty and staff members to the
attention of the University administration This policy provides a structured
process for attempting to resolve disputes or complaints involving University
policies, personnel, and/or the specific administration of a given policy. Students
should note that Webster University does not discriminate in its educational
or employment programs, policies, practices, or procedures on the basis of race,
sex, sexual orientation, color, creed, age, ethnic or national origin, non-disqualifying
disability, or veteran status. In addition, harassment related to any of these
areas is prohibited. Upon request, the University provides reasonable accommodations
to otherwise qualified individuals with documented disabilities. Students’
claims of harassment and/or discrimination are appropriate grounds for University
grievances.
This policy and
procedure does NOT apply in the following circumstances:
- students’
grievances against other students—these should be pursued according
to the provisions specified in the Student Code of Conduct;
- personnel
decisions, unless there is a claim of harassment and/or discrimination;
- students’
grades in particular courses or academic decisions based on academic work
(e.g., academic dismissal, portfolio review), unless there is a claim of harassment
and/or discrimination—these issues should be pursued according to the
Appeal Processes available from Academic Affairs;
- students’
complaints that are based on the same, or substantially similar, circumstances
as a pending or previously resolved or adjudicated case/complaint involving
the same student (i.e., students may not submit multiple grievances arising
from the same circumstances once the initial grievance has been resolved and
has progressed through the channels of appeal);
- students’
complaints regarding a judicial officer’s handling of a case, unless
there is a claim of harassment or discrimination (appeals of judicial complaints
should work through the judicial appeals process).Students should file a grievance
within thirty (30) calendar days from the actual occurrence, or the discovery
of the occurrence, which forms the basis of the grievance. The full Grievance
Policy and Procedure is available online and in the following locations: Office
of Student Affairs in the University Center (St. Louis) at 314-968-6980, and
Site Directors’ offices at all other locations, and the University website
at: www.webster.edu/studlife/StuA/handbook/handbook.htm.
Students who
have specific concerns related to discrimination based on a disability may also
contact Dr. Patricia McLeese, Director of the Academic Resource Center, at 314-968-7495
or mcleespa@webster.edu.
Full
Grievance Policy and Procedure