Student Complaints Policy 400.4

Applicability: This Policy applies to Midwest Emergency Academy (MEA) students.Purpose: The purpose of this Policy is to provide students with a fair and efficient process to present and resolve complaints relating to matters of academic and non-academic concern and to have those complaints heard in a fair and impartial manner.Statement:This Policy shall be available to any student who wishes to bring forward an academic or non-academic complaint that is not covered by another avenue of redress through MEA policies or operating procedures. For example, the following matters can be addressed through other College policies and operating procedures and are not subject to this Policy:Sexual Harassment Policy 600.5 and Sexual Harassment Complaint Operating Procedure 600.6 for complaints of Sexual Harassment involving a student or employee.Student Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation Policy 400.5 and Student Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation Complaint Operating Procedure 400.6 for complaints against a student or third party.Student Disciplinary Action Policy 400.2 and Student Disciplinary Action Operating Procedure 400.3 for reports of MEA Student Code of Conduct violations against a student.Student Disciplinary Action Appeals Operating Procedure 400.3 for complaints regarding disciplinary action imposed upon a student.Grade Review and Appeal Policy 300.1 and Grade Review and Appeal Operating Procedure 300.2 for complaints about grades received by a student.Complaints are best resolved if addressed early. It may be difficult to substantiate the allegations made if brought forward after significant time has passed. Complaints must be filed with the appointed Program Director. Upon receipt of the complaint the Program Director and the Board of Trusties shall review the matter and shall collaborate with appropriate parties and personnel to review the complaint, investigate the facts, and determine what, if any, appropriate actions are to be taken. The decision of the board will be final.It shall be considered a violation of this Policy for any student to knowingly file a false or malicious complaint. If MEA believes that such a false or malicious complaint has been filed, the matter will be addressed in accordance with the MEA applicable policies and operating procedures. Participants in the complaint resolution process should respect the matter as confidential. All information revealed and all discussions held shall be as confidential as reasonably possible within legal requirements and organizational responsibilities, and within limits allowing for the review to occur.No employee or student shall retaliate or discriminate against a student because of the student’s filing of or participation in the review of a complaint. Retaliation includes taking any action that may have a materially adverse impact on the student’s academic success or the learning environment of the student, if such action (whether actual or threatened) is taken because of the individual’s filing of or participation in the review of a complaint under this Policy, whether or not such complaint is determined to be valid. Any person believing that retaliation has taken or is taking place should immediately report the matter to the Program Director or any staff Member of MEA.