Denver Seminary

2019-2020 Student Handbook 45 and should only proceed with an informal resolution if they feel safe doing so. Students engaging grievances through an informal process are encouraged to keep documented records, including a detailed summary of the situation and dates and times of communications and outcomes. Students who wish to file a formal grievance regarding the behavior of a faculty or staff member or fellow student should use the following procedures. These procedures are not intended to create a contract, but to establish a process. The Seminary reserves the right to alter or change these processes as it deems appropriate while preserving due process and the integrity of the case. Grievances should be put in writing with all relevant materials attached so as to be addressed in a reasonably timely manner. Grievance Resolution Involving a Faculty Member: 1. Students who wish to file a grievance pertaining to a faculty member must submit a complaint and provide appropriate supporting material to the Provost's Office. 2. The Provost will review the submitted material as quickly as is reasonably possible and may choose to address the matter personally or submit it to the Faculty Concerns Committee. After being reviewed and no other information is deemed necessary for a decision, an outcome will be rendered, and the student will be notified. If additional information is required, the Provost or Faculty Concerns Committee will seek consultation with the appropriate parties. (Note: the Faculty Concerns Committee does not meet during the summer or intersession.) 3. If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Provost or Faculty Concerns Committee, he/she may do so by submitting a petition to the Provost's Office within three (3) business days of receiving the rendered outcome, thus requesting a review by the Executive Leadership Council of the Seminary. In the appeal the student must articulate the reason(s) why he/she believes the decision should be readdressed based upon the following criteria: i. Substantive errors in due process ii. Presentation of new evidence/information that was not in the original submission 4. The Executive Leadership Council will review the appeal at their next meeting and render a final decision on the matter. The student will be notified accordingly within the next 1-3 business days. Grievance Resolution Involving a Staff or Other Student: 1. Students who wish to file a grievance pertaining to a staff member or fellow student must submit a complaint and provide appropriate supporting material to the Dean of Students. 2. The Dean of Students will review the submitted material as quickly as is reasonably possible and may choose to address the matter personally, convene a hearing panel, or initiate the Remediation and Formation process. 3. Depending on the severity and seriousness of the grievance, the Dean of Students will notify the responding party that a grievance has been filed against them. Before proceeding with this step, however, significant consideration is given to the safety, security, and comfort level of the reporting party. If it is determined that safety or security could be compromised, or if the reporting party has reservations, alternative steps will be explored to inform the responding party of the grievance. 4. If it is determined that additional information is needed, an investigation will be launched wherein all appropriate parties will be interviewed and testimonials considered.

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