35 - APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

All policies and procedures for the ISPP Experience are outlined in the ISPP Handbook and/or the ISPP Agreement. No other handbook or University policy applies to Participants. The Participant is encouraged to discuss any concerns or complaints with the ISPP Coordinator as soon as possible. The following steps should be taken:

1. Informal Resolution Conference.  The Participant will first be advised to resolve the matter informally via a conference with the individual associated with situation. The participant should set forth his or her concern in writing to set up a conference.
2. Informal Complaint.  If the concern or complaint is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Participant after the Informal Resolution Conference with the individual, the Participant should contact the ISPP Coordinator in writing within 10 days after the Informal Resolution Conference with the individual. The ISPP Coordinator shall provide a written Recommendation for Resolution, which the Participant and any other party may accept or reject.
3. If the concern or complaint is against the ISPP Coordinator or the Internship Director, the Participant should attempt to resolve the complaint by requesting a meeting in writing with the Department Chair within 10 days after the Informal Resolution Conference.  The Department Chair shall provide a written Recommendation for Resolution, which the Participant and any other party may accept or reject.
4. Formal Complaint (Department Chair).  In the event that the concern or complaint is not resolved by the ISPP Coordinator or Internship Director, the Participant should attempt to resolve the situation with the Department Chair within 10 days of rejecting the ISPP Coordinator or Internship Director’s Recommendation for Resolution. Prior to a meeting between the Participant and the Department Chair, the Participant should set forth his or her complaint in writing. The Department Chair will again attempt to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties involved.   The Department Chair shall provide a written Recommendation for Resolution, which the Participant and any other party may accept or reject.
5. Formal Complaint. In the event that the concern or complaint is not resolved by the Department Chair, the Participant should attempt to resolve the situation by requesting a meeting with the Dean of the College in writing within 10 days of rejecting the Department Chair’s Recommendation for Resolution.  The Dean of the College will again attempt to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties involved. At this point, a record of the complaint and its resolution will be kept on file for at least 7 years per ACEND accreditation standards.  The Dean will communicate his/her decision in writing within 10 days of meeting with the Participant.  The Decision of the Dean of the College will be final.
6. Complaints related to Noncompliance with ACEND Accreditation Standards.  Complaints against the program related to noncompliance with ACEND Accreditation Standards may be submitted in writing after all other options within the department have been exhausted (see ACCREDITATION).