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The right to file a formal complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S.
Department of Education
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The right to notify the State Postsecondary Review Entity (SPRE) of complaints related to the university’s management of
the Title IV programs, misleading or inappropriate advertising and promotion of the university’s educational programs, or
other complaints about the institution
Policies and procedures governing the above responsibilities and rights appear in various university publications. Revisions
may be made to such policies and procedures and shall become effective following dissemination or update.
Campus Residency Requirements for Single Undergraduat Students
We believe the best possible way to experience the total life training CIU provides is through living on campus. By living in
community with others, students have the opportunity to experience close Christian fellowship with the possibility of
developing lifelong friendships. The chance to develop and improve a disciplined lifestyle is enhanced and there are greater
opportunities for participating in social activities. We have thus established a campus residency requirement. Full-time
undergraduate students who are unmarried and under 23 years of age are required to live on campus. Students living with
immediate family within commuting distance are required to live on campus for their first two semesters of attendance at CIU
(this includes dependents of CIU employees). Seniors and those who are 22 years of age may appeal to live in our on-campus
apartments.
Student Discipline
Student Life personnel address matters of student conduct requiring discipline with redemptive intent. Assessment takes into
account the nature of the problem and the student’s attitude, previous conduct, and length of enrollment at CIU. Students have
opportunities to grow through counseling and/or logical or natural consequences. The ultimate goal is restoration of healthy
relationships with God, other individuals, and the community. The Student Handbook lists some of these avenues.
S
T U D E N T
C
O M P L A I N T S A N D
G
R I E V A N C E
P
O L I C Y
It is the goal of CIU to provide services and educational opportunities without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color,
national origin, disability, or sex. CIU provides a process for students to voice complaints and file formal grievances when they
are dissatisfied with a university service or policy or an action by a university employee. The process aims to be constructive
and positive in resolving differences. The Student Complaints and Grievance Policy covers academic and non-academic
matters except in areas where formal policies and procedures take precedence. The details of the Academic Grievance
Procedure are listed below; the details of the Non-academic Grievance procedure and distinctions between the two can be
found in the Student Handbook.
Ge eral Principles
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Whenever possible, and in a timely fashion, a student should voice a complaint informally with the faculty member,
staff member, or other student involved.
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The appropriate division (Higher Education, Ben Lippen School, or Broadcasting) will handle student complaints and
grievances as quickly and
fairly as possible.
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Anonymous complaints and grievances will not be addressed formally.
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There will be no adverse effect on or retaliation against either a student who, in good faith, voices a
complaint/grievance or against any person who, in good faith, provides information regarding a complaint/grievance.
Academic Grievance Procedure
If a student has a concern about an academic matter other than a grade change, the following process should be followed:
Step 1:
In keeping with the Matthew 18 principle, the student should discuss the matter with the faculty member involved.
Faculty will listen to concerns or questions and, when deemed appropriate, amend decisions. After the discussion, if the
student feels that one of the following applies, Step 2 of the appeal process may be taken:
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The decision rendered was not supported by sufficient evidence (i.e. expectations in the class syllabus).
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The academic consequence is more severe than called for by the situation.
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A stated university policy has been misapplied.
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Discrimination
Step 2:
Within three days of receiving an answer from the
faculty member, a letter of appeal should be
delivered to the
student’s academic advisor. If the academic advisor is the faculty member involved, Step 3 should be taken. The letter of
appeal should outline the concern,
describe the steps taken and the answer given,
and provide an explanation of why one of
the
above stated reasons can be applied to the situation. The academic advisor will have a meeting with the student and the
faculty member to discuss the problem and issue a written decision on the appeal within 30 days. If the student feels that the
decision does not correctly address the reason for the appeal as stated above, he or she should proceed to Step 3.
187 │Columbia International University
Student Life