Academic Grievance Resolution Procedure/Appeals Process
The purpose of this procedure is to grant the student the right to appeal decisions that directly affect his/her progress in the program. This appeal process is a means to arrive at a fair and equitable solution in a timely manner. Confidentiality is to be maintained throughout the entire appeal process. A student who has been dismissed may not attend class or clinical while pursuing the grievance. Both final course grade(s) and clinical dismissal (for any reason) are not subject to the grievance resolution procedure.
The student can appeal the dismissal decision by submitting in a letter in writing (via email to the executive director at maltshuler@cspnohio.edu) with the intent to appeal the decision of dismissal. The letter must include a description of the occurrence including date, time and signature (electronic or physically typed) within one (1) business day (from the date of the dismissal email letter). This statement will be shared by the executive director with the Appeal Committee.
The Appeal Committee will convene within 5-7 business days of the date marked on the appeal letter (email). Should the school be on a “school break,” the 5-7 window of the appeal (schedule) will be extended to begin from the date of return to the start of class.
The Appeal Committee will consist of the executive director, the director of operations/student services, the minute taker (school administrative support staff), two instructors, two students (one from each cohort), and a member of the CSPN Nursing Advisory Committee. The executive director will chair this committee and will vote only in case of a tie. The decision of the committee will be final and binding upon the student.
If the scope of the issue requires immediate action or the student is not satisfied with the school’s resolution, the student should contact the following outside entities:
The State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (State Board). Students may write the State Board at 30 East Broad Street, Suite 2481, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3414. They can also be contacted by phone (614) 466-2752, Fax (614) 466-2219, Toll Free (877) 275-4219, Email bpsr@scr.state.oh.us or Website: http://scr.ohio.gov/
Grievance Procedure Relating to Policy for Students with Disabilities
The School has adopted an internal grievance procedure to address any complaints arising under the above Policy Regarding Special Needs of Students with Disabilities. Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment or retaliation on the basis of a disability, or who believes he or she has not been provided a reasonable accommodation, may file a grievance under this procedure. The School will not retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance. Additionally, the School will maintain the confidentiality of the person who may file a complaint to the degree possible given the nature of the complaint.
Procedure:
Grievances must be submitted to the Section 504 Coordinator, Wendy J. Staffilino, at 4700 Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio 44131, (216) 901-4400 x104, wstaffilino@cspnohio.edu. The complaint must be in writing, contain the name and address of the person filing it, state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. The complaint should also include the identity of any potential witnesses to the alleged discriminatory action, and any documents that the grievant believes supports his/her grievance.
- The Section 504 Coordinator or, if appropriate, his or her designee, shall promptly conduct an impartial and thorough investigation of the complaint that will provide interested persons the opportunity to identify witnesses and to submit evidence relevant to the complaint, which evidence shall be maintained by the Section 504 Coordinator.
- The Section 504 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than thirty (30) calendar days after its filing.
- Should the School determine that discrimination, harassment or retaliation has occurred, it will take appropriate corrective and/or remedial action.
- If the complaining person is not satisfied with the decision of the Section 504 Coordinator, he or she may appeal the decision within ten (10) calendar days of receiving it by submitting a written notice of the appeal to the Executive Director of the School. The Executive Director shall respond in writing with his or her decision no later than thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the appeal.
The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Cleveland Regional Office, 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 325, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.