Grievance Procedure
This procedure does not apply to appeals of academic decisions, including grade appeals.
A grievance is a serious complaint that demonstrates that the student has been or is being adversely affected by: 1) inaccurate interpretation of University policies; 2) inappropriate response, lack of response, or decision by any person with administrative control and responsibility; or 3) unfair application of established University processes.
A grievance is directed toward the University, not a specific person, and should be in writing per the grievance procedure. Student grievances are typically items such as administrative issues, financial issues, technical issues, faculty performance, program content, program effectiveness/expectations, or library services that were not able to be resolved in an informal manner.
If a student has a grievance regarding university procedures, decisions, or judgements, the student has a right to seek a satisfactory resolution through the formal avenues of the University Grievance procedure:
Step 1: Notification:
When a student has a concern, the student should first discuss and/or attempt to resolve any grievance with the faculty member, staff member(s), or other appropriate administrator. If a mutually satisfactory outcome cannot be negotiated between the student and other party, the student may escalate the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Step 2: Written Submission:
If the Office of the Ombudsman is unable to resolve the grievance, the student may submit their grievance in writing, via the Grievance Form, to department leadership through the Office of the Ombudsman or the student portal. Department leadership will review the Grievance form and determine a resolution. If these steps do not yield a satisfactory resolution, students may file a written appeal with the Grievance Appeals Board through the Office of the Ombudsman.
Step 3: Appeal:
If the student chooses to appeal the decision of the Department, the student must submit a request to appeal the decision to the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will convene the Grievance Appeals Board to review the appeal and render a decision. The student will receive notification of the Grievance Appeals Board’s decision via the Office of the Ombudsman. The Grievance Appeals Board decision is final and non-appealable.
Students can reach the Office of the Ombudsman by email at ombudsman@trident.edu or by phone at (847) 586-4056. A student should refer to the “Agreement to Submit to Trident’s Grievance Procedure" section of their Enrollment Agreement and Disclosure for important terms and conditions regarding this Grievance Procedure and other rights