TCNJ

21 Academic Policies and Procedures Orientation and Responsibility to Inform and Keep Informed The main responsibility for keeping informed rests with each student. The current Graduate Bulletin, along with information shared on the website and through College e-mail, will typically be the primary sources of information about the graduate program. The College will make every effort to inform students of changes in the programs as they occur. Nevertheless, students should take the initiative to consult their graduate program advisers and the Office of Graduate Studies to keep current and for advice before making significant decisions. Students have the concomitant responsibility to inform their advisers and the administration of any changes affecting their status. Students should refer to the College's website for the most up-to-date information on policies and procedures. For the most current policy information, please visit http://policies.tcnj.edu Graduate policy links are listed below or can be found at http://policies.tcnj.edu/search/?searchText=graduate. Academic Integrity Policy— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9394 Student Conduct Code— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9563 Graduate Non-Enrollment— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9382 Graduate Comprehensive Exams and other Culminating Experience— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9212 Grade Appeals— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9302 Students Rights and Freedoms Policy— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9162 Housing Eligibility Policy— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9138 Expectations and Standards for Off-Campus Conduct— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9207 Walking at Graduation— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9129 Absence and Attendance— http://policies.tcnj.edu/policies/digest.php?docId=9134 Student Complaints Policy I. Introduction This document outlines the procedure students should follow for com- plaints. This procedure should not be used for complaints about areas for which there is a separate complaint policy, such as academic integrity appeals, grade appeals, or complaints involving discrimination or sexual harassment. Students who are uncertain about which complaint procedure to use should ask their department chair. II. Definitions N/A III. Policy (For complaints/appeals not involving academic integrity appeals, grade appeals or discrimination or sexual harassment. Also see Discrimination Complaints Procedure, Title IX policy, and Grade Appeals policy) Students having a complaint shall follow the steps below. If either party is not satisfied with the decision at any step, a written appeal may be made at the next step. In the case that the student cannot contact a faculty or staff member, the student should contact the chairperson of the department or director of the relevant office or program. 1. Clarification and potential resolution of the issue: A student should begin by discussing the issue with an appropriate faculty member or College staff person. In many cases, this may be the student's academic advisor. If the student is unsure where to direct the complaint, the student may consult with the chair of the department or assistant dean of the school most closely associated with the issue. If the issue is resolved through discus- sion, no further action is necessary. Step 1 should happen as soon as possible, but no later than thirty days after the issue occurred. 2. Formal complaint: If the issue is not resolved at Step 1, the stu- dent may articulate a formal complaint in writing via email to the faculty or staff member most closely associated with the issue. Appropriate documentation must be submitted as neces- sary to support the complaint. The faculty or staff person receiving the complaint will issue a written decision to the stu- dent within thirty calendar days. If the student does not receive a written response within thirty calendar days, the student should follow the procedure outlined in Step 3. 3. Appeal to the Chair or Director: Upon receipt of the decision in Step 2, the student may appeal the decision to the chairperson of the department or director of the relevant office or program. The appeal must be in written form and include appropriate documentation to support appeal of the previous decision. A student who wishes to file a written appeal must inform the department chair or director within a period of fifteen calendar days after receiving the decision at Step 2. It is the responsibility of the student to submit a written statement outlining the basis and grounds of the complaint, and supporting documentation must be included as necessary to support the appeal. The chair or director may choose to review the appeal, refer it to a des- ignee or committee within the department or, if it is about an issue outside the department, refer it to the appropriate admin- istrator. A review would include contacting appropriate individ- uals, as necessary. The Chair or Director must respond to the appealing party within thirty calendar days. 4. Appeal to the Dean's Office: Upon receipt of the decision in step 3, either party may appeal the decision to the office of the dean of the stu- dent's school. The dean or dean's designee will determine whether to consider the appeal or to refer it to another office. It is the responsibility 252943_001-092_r4.indd 21 8/1/18 9:46 PM

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