Student Complaint Policy

The primary objectives of the Student Complaint Policy are to ensure that students have the opportunity to present complaints to AMDA about a certain action or inaction by a member of the AMDA community and that AMDA has a consistent way of resolving those complaints in a fair and just manner. This policy applies to problems arising in the relationship between a student and AMDA that are not governed by other specific complaint procedures. Upon request from any student, the Office of Academic Affairs will provide guidance about the appropriate system for redress of a particular complaint.

Review Process

If a student decides to file a complaint, they must do so in writing to the appointed academic administrator. Any such written complaint must be received by the administrator no later than 45 calendar days after the student first became aware of the facts which gave rise to the complaint. The administrator should conduct an informal investigation as warranted to resolve any factual disputes. The administrator may appoint an impartial fact-finding panel to conduct an investigation. The administrator must state the terms and conditions of the investigation in a memorandum appointing the fact-finding panel. A fact-finding panel appointed shall have no authority to make recommendations or impose final action. The panel’s conclusions shall be limited to determining and presenting facts to the administrator in a written report. Based on the report of the fact-finding panel, the administrator shall make a determination and submit their decision in writing to the student and to the person alleged to have caused the complaint within 10 calendar days of receipt of the panel’s report. The written determination shall include the reasons for the decision, indicate the remedial action to be taken, if any, and inform the student of the right to seek further review.

Appeal Procedure

Within 10 calendar days of receipt of the administrator’s decision, a student who is not satisfied with the response of the administrator after the initial review may seek further review by submitting the written complaint, together with the administrator’s written decision, to the assigned Senior Administration Official or appointed designee. The Senior Administration Official or appointed designee’s action will be limited to a review of the basis for the administrator’s decision and need not involve a new factual investigation. The Senior Administration Official/appointed designee may direct that further facts be gathered or that additional remedial action be taken. Within 15 calendar days of receipt of the request for review, the Senior Administration Official/appointed designee will submit their decision in writing to the student and to the person alleged to have caused the complaint. The written disposition shall include the reasons for the decision and direct a remedy for the aggrieved student, if any. The appeal decision is considered final.

Statements of Compliance

Subpages

Statements of Compliance