Denver Seminary

2022-2023 Student Handbook 52 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. Please note that all matters related to discrimination based on protected classes as outlined by the policy and specifically issues of sexual discrimination or sexual misconduct will automatically be forwarded to the Seminary's Title IX Team. For more information on the policy and process, please see the Title IX— Harassment Free Workplace and Campus policy. Any student who falsely reports or falsely accuses an individual, or who maliciously provides false or misleading information in connection with an investigation, may face disciplinary action. If the Dean of Students or other staff involved with the grievance process believes false reports, accusations or statements may have been made maliciously, these may be raised for consideration within the process. In addition, students may also share concerns about possible false reports, accusations or statements with the staff administering the related proceedings. The provision does not prohibit reports or accusations made in good faith. 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 Academic Dean's Office. 2. The Academic Dean 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 Academic Dean 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 Academic Dean or Faculty Concerns Committee, he/she may do so by submitting a petition to the Academic Dean's Office within three (3) business days of receiving the rendered outcome, thus requesting a review by the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) 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.

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