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Requirement 4.5: The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student complaints. (See Commission policy “The Review of Complaints Involving the Commission or its Accredited Institutions.”)Full Compliance Georgia Southern has instituted satisfactory procedures for addressing written student complaints and can demonstrate that these procedures are followed when resolving such complaints. Complaints are investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts of the case to the extent allowed by applicable law, including the Georgia Open Records Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The due process rights of all parties to a complaint are honored to the fullest extent possible. In addition to providing avenues for the resolution of written complaints, the University also offers a Student Mediation Program to address conflicts that may not require formal judicial intervention. The University publishes broadly its policies and procedures on student due process rights and responsibilities through various print and electronic media. Students desirous of filing a written complaint can do so, depending on the nature of the complaint, through the avenues identified as follows: Petitions to review or change a grade are initiated at the department level and, if unresolved, progress through various stages to be reviewed by a review committee appointed by the dean of the respective college. Complaints unresolved at that level could be forwarded in writing to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs who will render the final university decision. Readmission appeals are handled separately and are first heard by the Academic Standards Committee. Complaints related to appeals of financial aid exclusion can be filed with the Academic Standards Committee if also appealing for readmission. Otherwise, written appeals should be made to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Complaints from student employees can be addressed to the director of Human Resources. Complaints related to protected rights issues should be addressed to the Office of Institutional Compliance. All student disciplinary records are retained as confidential files in the Office of Judicial Affairs. All other complaint files related to written complaints administered by the various administrative offices are maintained in those respective offices. Resources:
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