Grievance Processes

To initiate a grievance, students are encouraged to complete this form: Student Grievance Report

You are not required to provide your name, but you must do so if you would like to receive a response/updates on the issue or grievance. Individuals will not be discriminated, harassed, or retaliated against as a consequence of making a complaint. This includes complaints made by and/or about students, academic and clinical faculty, staff, or anyone in any level of leadership in the organization.

If you do provide your name, you will receive a response, usually within a working day, to acknowledge receipt of the form. You may be asked some follow-up questions to clarify the issue or concern, and to best determine which of the following processes will be used. In each case, we will strive to conclude the process within 60 days of receiving the grievance. The processes available are:

  • Informal process - If you simply want the University to be aware of a situation, and there is no policy violation involved, then your concern will be kept on file in the event that any future issues arise. Your issue or concern will not go further unless it involves a policy violation, or unless further issues arise and you submit additional information.
  • Grade Appeal Process – For appeal of a final grade for a course or a clinic shift. The timelines for filing a grade appeal and the full process are available in the University Catalogue under Academic Policy and Procedures Manual. Please be aware that you have a limited amount of time to file an appeal once you receive your final grade. 
  • Equity Resolution Process – Any issue which falls within the Bastyr University Civil Rights Policies will be pursued using the Equity Resolution Process. This process starts with an investigation and is followed by either a conflict resolution process or a formal hearing.
  • Issue Resolution Process – a grievance which does not fit into one of the above categories, or that involves a University employee, will be heard through this process. After an initial investigation, an issue involving a University employee may be turned over to Human Resources to follow one of the procedures in either the Faculty or Staff Handbook.

Questions about any of these processes should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs, sweider@bastyr.edu