University Grievance Procedure
This procedure does not apply to appeals of academic decisions, including grades.
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) lack of response from agents of the University; 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 published in the university catalog. Student grievances are typically items that were not able to be resolved in an informal manner. Many issues can be resolved through discussion with the appropriate instructor or staff member, and students are encouraged to make contact at the first indication of a problem or concern. If these efforts fail to yield a resolution, students may submit their grievance following the procedure(s) outlined in this policy.
Internal Process:
When a student has a concern, the student should first discuss and/or attempt to resolve any grievance with the instructor, staff member(s), or other appropriate administrator. If these efforts fail to yield a resolution, the below grievance procedure shall be followed:
- Written Submission. The student must submit their grievance in writing, via the Grievance Form, to the Office of the Ombudsman. The complainant must indicate in the grievance that a serious effort was made to informally resolve the issue. It is the student’s responsibility to provide adequate details and/or evidence to support their grievance.
- Review. Upon receipt, the Ombudsman Office is responsible for serving as the liaison between the student and the University to facilitate a review of the grievance to determine a resolution that shall be communicated to the student.
- Appeal. In the event that these efforts do not yield a satisfactory resolution, students may submit a request to appeal the decision to the AIUS Grievance Appeals Board through the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will convene the AIUS Grievance Appeals Board to review the appeal and render a final decision. The student will receive notification of the AIUS Grievance Appeal Board’s decision via the Office of the Ombudsman.
- The AIUS Grievance Appeals Board decision shall be final and non-appealable.
You can reach the Office of the Ombudsman by email at ombudsman@trident.edu or by phone at (847) 586-4056. The Trident Ombudsman is Brandie Riegle. A student should refer to the “Agreement to Submit to CalSouthern's Grievance Procedure" section of their Enrollment Agreement and Disclosure for important terms and conditions regarding this Grievance Procedure and other rights.