Current Students > Office of Special Needs > Grievance Policy

Grievance Procedure of Student Academic Adjustments

The Office of Special Needs (OSN) has the responsibility of determining students' needs for academic adjustments and how Thiel College can meet these needs with the resources available. If the student or faculty believes the academic adjustment(s) provided are not reasonable, the below-listed procedure should be followed.

• The student or faculty member will notify in writing the Office of Special Needs as to why he/she disagrees with the recommended academic adjustment(s).
• The student or faculty will schedule a meeting with the Coordinator of the Office of Special Needs. If necessary, a clarification meeting with all parties will be held.
• If the student or faculty member is not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, the student or faculty member should make an appointment to meet with the appropriate department Chair/Director within 5 working days from the date of the meeting with the Coordinator of the Office of Special Needs. The Chair/Director will review and meet with all parties, allowing amply meeting time for review of pertinent documents, and relevant information. The Chair/Director will make a written recommendation regarding the grievance within 5 working days of the meeting to the Office of Special Needs and other parties involved.
• If the student or faculty member is not satisfied with the written recommendation of the department Chair/Director and a resolution of the problem cannot be mutually agreed upon, the student or faculty can request a Grievance Form. This form is available from the Office of Special Needs. This form should be completed and submitted to the appropriate Vice President within one working day from the student or faculty receiving the recommendations from the department Chair/Director. (Academic grievances are submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the College, while non-academic grievances are submitted to the Vice President for Administrative Services).
• After the appropriate Dean or Vice President receives the grievance form, he/she will conduct a through review of the grievance, which may require the release of confidential information. This may involve meeting with all parties.
• The Vice-President will make the final decision regarding the Grievance within 5 working days from the receipt of the grievance form. This decision will be communicated to all parties involved. The Vice President's review will serve as the Final College Decision. The Office of Special Needs will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Final Decision.
• This policy will be posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of Special Needs for review at all times.