It is the policy of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to administer its educational programs in a fair, prompt, equitable and academically sound manner in accordance with the appropriate regulations and criteria of its governing board, accrediting associations, and federal and state laws and regulations. Students are provided an opportunity to express any complaint, grievance or dispute to be investigated for possible resolution. The Dean of Students Office will provide advice and guidance to students who present grievances or complaints, whether personal or academically related. Depending on the circumstances of an allegation involving civil rights equity, harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct may be referred to the Title IX Office, which operates separately from the Dean of Students Office.

Appeals concerning previously assigned grades are addressed through the academic administrative procedures, beginning with the course instructor. See the Grade Appeal Process in the Catalog. The Dean of Students Office will provide general guidance on the grade appeal process and other academic issues, and will refer students to the appropriate resource or authority.

Informal Procedure

Students are encouraged to begin by addressing their grievance or concern directly with the appropriate Embry Riddle individual or organization. (Note: The exception to this is if the situation involves any matters that be a violation of Title IX Policy, whether personal or academic. In that circumstance, the student is referred to the Title IX Coordinator for further consultation.) This part of the grievance procedure is considered an “Informal” aspect of the process and is meant to empower the student to confront the source of their concern, as well as minimize the length of time involved in achieving a resolution.

Depending on the type of grievance, the Dean of Students Office may report the complaint to the Title IX office, Human Resources or any other appropriate avenue for processing.

If no agreement is reached, students may choose to address their grievance in writing directly to the next appropriate department head or director with responsibility for the area of concern. Students may seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office to file and process a formal written grievance. Any student at any time may choose to file a formal written grievance with the Dean of Students Office.

Formal Procedure

  1. The Dean of Students or their designee will meet with the student to discuss options.
  2. Students who wish to file a formal grievance must provide a written grievance or complaint electronically if possible. Students are encouraged to include details, specific information, and a complete description of the issue or circumstance. Supporting documentation may be attached.
  3. The written complaint will be electronically filed in the Conduct Data Management System for record-keeping purposes. If the complaint involves an employee, a copy of the report will be forwarded with High Importance notation to the supervisor, department chair, college dean or HR as appropriate, along with a request for review and follow-up. If the complaint involves another student or an organization, the Dean of Students Office will forward the report to the appropriate director or department for review and follow-up.
  4. Students will be encouraged to follow up with the Dean of Students Office regarding the status of their grievance and/or to seek guidance regarding any phase of the process.
  5. The Dean of Students Office will keep a record of all correspondence regarding student grievance cases, up to and including resolution, for a minimum of seven years following final disposition.

When appropriate, the Dean of Students Office may arrange for informal mediation services for dispute resolution. Mediation may take place in lieu of any conduct proceedings, but requires the understanding of both parties that the process and the outcome are informal. At any time, either party may decide to stop the mediation process and may elect to move forward with a formal process as discussed above.