NCE’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, illustrating how the College is following through with our commitment to the betterment of education on both a local and national level.
NLU MSPAS Academic Grievance, Student Appeals, Harassment, Discrimination, and Non-Retaliation Policy Effective Date: 11/1/2026 Review Cycle: Annually and as required by university, regulatory, or ARC-PA changes Responsible Unit: NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program Responsible Official: Program Director Applies To: All enrolled NLU MSPAS students, PA Program faculty, staff, administrators, and other individuals involved in PA Program academic or clinical education processes I. PURPOSE The National Louis University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (NLU MSPAS) Program is committed to providing a professional, equitable, respectful, inclusive, and educationally appropriate environment in which students can raise concerns, seek resolution of grievances, appeal applicable decisions, and report allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other inappropriate conduct without fear of retaliation. This policy establishes the NLU MSPAS Program's procedures for: 1. Academic grievances and appeals; 2. Non-academic grievances; 3. Student complaints; 4. Allegations of harassment or discrimination; 5. Allegations of retaliation; 6. Concerns involving faculty, staff, administrators, preceptors, clinical sites, or other members of the educational community; 7. Academic progression, remediation, deceleration, withdrawal, or dismissal
concerns when those matters are subject to appeal; 8. Protection of student rights and confidentiality; 9. Informal resolution and formal grievance processes; 10. Documentation and record retention; and
11. Referral to the appropriate National Louis University office or external entity when University policy or applicable law requires or permits such referral.
The policy is designed to support compliance with applicable ARC-PA Sixth Edition Standards , including A3.01, A3.14, A3.15, B4.01, and other standards addressing student rights, academic progression, evaluation, and program policies.
II. POLICY STATEMENT National Louis University and the NLU MSPAS Program provide students with established processes through which concerns may be raised and reviewed. The NLU MSPAS Program shall: • Publish its grievance and appeal procedures; • Make them readily available to prospective and enrolled students; • Apply them consistently; • Provide students with reasonable access to the procedures; • Protect students from retaliation for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation; • Provide appropriate separation of individuals when necessary to avoid conflicts of interest; • Maintain appropriate documentation; • Protect student educational records consistent with FERPA and applicable law; • Refer allegations that fall under University-wide policies to the appropriate NLU office; • Provide students with information about applicable external complaint processes when institutional resolution has been exhausted or when external reporting is otherwise appropriate; and • Review grievance and appeal data as part of ongoing program assessment and continuous quality improvement. NLU's Student Affairs division states that students may raise academic and non- academic concerns and provides formal processes for academic appeals, non-academic grievances, and student conduct appeals. NLU also expressly states that filing a complaint will not result in retaliation.
III. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
All grievance and appeal processes within the NLU MSPAS Program shall be guided by the following principles: A. Fairness Students shall have an opportunity to present their concerns and relevant information before a final determination is made, when applicable. B. Consistency The Program shall apply published policies and procedures consistently to similarly situated students. C. Transparency Students shall be informed of the applicable process, responsible decision-maker, relevant deadlines, and available appeal rights. D. Non-Retaliation No student shall be subject to retaliation for making a good-faith complaint, grievance, report, or appeal or for participating in an investigation. E. Confidentiality Information concerning complaints and grievances shall be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible, consistent with student safety, legal obligations, University policy, FERPA, and the need to conduct a fair investigation. F. Impartiality Individuals who have a conflict of interest or actual or reasonably perceived bias concerning a grievance shall not participate in the decision to the extent practicable. G. Educational Continuity When reasonably possible and appropriate, the Program shall take interim steps to minimize unnecessary disruption to a student's educational progression while a grievance or investigation is pending. H. Due Process Students shall be afforded the procedural protections established by applicable NLU policy, the NLU Academic Catalog, the Student Guidebook, and applicable law.
IV. DEFINITIONS Academic Grievance
A concern alleging that an academic decision affecting a student was made incorrectly, inconsistently, contrary to published policy, or without following established procedures. Examples include concerns involving:
Course grades;
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Academic evaluation; Academic progression; Remediation decisions; Clinical evaluation; Academic standing;
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• Dismissal when an appeal is permitted; • Program completion decisions; • Application of published academic standards; or • Other academic decisions affecting an enrolled student.
Appeal A formal request for reconsideration of an eligible decision under an applicable NLU or MSPAS policy. Complaint A concern regarding an action, practice, decision, service, or experience that a student believes should be addressed or changed. Grievance A formal matter requiring investigation or review under an applicable University or Program process. NLU defines a grievance as a matter investigated under formal grievance procedures when a student believes a faculty member or administrator has made an error, including matters not resolved through informal processes or mediation. National Louis University Harassment Unwelcome conduct prohibited by applicable University policy or law, including conduct based upon a protected characteristic or other conduct covered by NLU's applicable harassment, discrimination, sexual respect, or Title IX policies. Discrimination Disparate treatment or other prohibited conduct based upon a protected characteristic as defined by applicable NLU policy and law. Retaliation Adverse action or threatened adverse action taken because an individual made a good- faith complaint, grievance, report, appeal, or participated in an investigation or resolution process. Responding Party The individual or entity whose action, decision, conduct, or omission is the subject of a complaint or grievance.
V. RELATIONSHIP TO NLU UNIVERSITY POLICIES The NLU MSPAS Program operates within the policies and procedures of National Louis University. This policy does not replace University-wide policies. Where a matter falls within a University-wide policy or procedure, the University policy shall control. Students are expected to consult the current NLU Academic Catalog and Student Guidebook in addition to this policy. NLU's Student Affairs website identifies the Academic Catalog and Student Guidebook as sources for formal University grievance processes. National Louis University Relevant University resources include:
• NLU Student Complaints and Grievances • NLU Student Guidebook • NLU Student Rights and Information • NLU Anti-Discrimination Policy • NLU FERPA Notification • NLU Academic Catalog and Policies
NLU's current Student Complaints and Grievances process distinguishes academic complaints from non-academic grievances and provides separate mechanisms for academic appeals, academic honesty appeals, satisfactory academic progress appeals, and student conduct appeals. National Louis University
VI. TYPES OF STUDENT CONCERNS The MSPAS Program recognizes the following categories of student concerns.
A. Academic Concerns Academic concerns may include:
Course grades;
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• Examination or assessment procedures; • Clinical rotation evaluations; • Academic progression; • Remediation;
Deceleration;
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Academic standing; Academic dismissal;
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• Graduation or program completion; • Application of published academic requirements; or • Alleged failure to follow an established academic policy.
Academic appeals must be handled under the applicable NLU academic appeal process and this policy. NLU currently identifies four bases for an academic appeal: 1. The criteria or procedures were not published; 2. Published criteria or procedures were inconsistent with applicable University or program policy or violated a student's rights; 3. Published criteria or procedures were not followed; or 4. The decision was substantially influenced by factors other than published criteria. National Louis University
B. Non-Academic Concerns Non-academic concerns may include:
University services;
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Administrative decisions; Clinical-site concerns;
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Student services;
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Program operations;
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• Interpersonal concerns not otherwise governed by another University policy; or • Other University-related matters outside the academic appeal process.
NLU directs students to its Issue Resolution process for non-academic grievances. National Louis University C. Harassment and Discrimination Allegations of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or other prohibited conduct shall be reported through the applicable NLU process. The MSPAS Program shall not independently adjudicate a matter when University policy assigns jurisdiction to another NLU office or process.
NLU maintains an Anti-Discrimination Policy and related Student Rights and Information resources. National Louis University D. Retaliation Any student who believes that retaliation has occurred because the student made a good-faith report, complaint, grievance, or appeal may report the concern immediately to Student Affairs, the Title IX Coordinator when applicable, the Program Director, or another appropriate University official. NLU's published Student Complaints and Grievances policy states that filing a complaint will not result in retaliation. National Louis University VII. INFORMAL RESOLUTION Whenever appropriate and safe, students are encouraged to first discuss concerns with the individual or department involved. Examples include: • Discussing a course concern with the course director; • Discussing an examination concern with the responsible faculty member; • Discussing a clinical concern with the clinical faculty member or course director; • Discussing an academic progression concern with the Program Director; • Consulting an academic advisor; • Consulting Student Affairs; or • Seeking assistance from another appropriate University resource. NLU encourages students to initially direct concerns to the individual or department involved before filing a formal complaint. National Louis University Informal consultation does not waive a student's right to initiate a formal grievance or appeal when the student remains dissatisfied and the matter is eligible for formal review. A student shall not be required to confront an alleged harasser, discriminator, or other individual when doing so would be inappropriate, unsafe, or contrary to University policy. VIII. FORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCESS A student may initiate a formal grievance when informal resolution is unsuccessful, inappropriate, unavailable, or not required under the applicable policy. The grievance should include, when reasonably available:
1. Student's name and NLU identification information; 2. Date of the event or decision; 3. Description of the concern; 4. Individual(s) involved; 5. Applicable policy or procedure; 6. Explanation of the alleged error, violation, or concern; 7. Relevant documentation; 8. Requested resolution; and 9. Any other information reasonably necessary for review.
Students should submit grievances within the timeframe established by the applicable NLU or MSPAS policy. If no specific deadline applies, the student should submit the grievance as soon as reasonably practicable after the event or decision. IX. ACADEMIC APPEALS Academic appeals involving an academic decision shall follow the applicable NLU Academic Appeals Policy. NLU currently provides a four-step academic appeal process, with the final and binding decision made by the Senior Academic Officer or designee. Students may consult an academic advisor, Program Director, department chair, Assistant Dean of Students, or Student Services professional for informal assistance. National Louis University The MSPAS Program shall cooperate with the University academic appeal process and shall provide relevant records when requested by the authorized University decision- maker. The Program shall not establish a separate MSPAS appeal process that conflicts with NLU's University-wide academic appeal process. The current NLU Academic Appeals policy is available through the Academic Catalog: NLU Policy on Academic Appeals
X. APPEALS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESSION, REMEDIATION, DECELERATION, OR DISMISSAL
Academic progression, remediation, deceleration, withdrawal, and dismissal are governed substantively by the applicable MSPAS and NLU policies. The Program's: • Academic Progression and Remediation Policy establishes requirements and procedures concerning academic progress and remediation. • Leave of Absence Policy establishes procedures for approved interruptions in enrollment. • Applicable NLU withdrawal policies establish procedures and financial consequences associated with withdrawal. • NLU academic and student conduct policies establish applicable appeal rights. A student may appeal an eligible decision when the applicable policy permits an appeal. The grievance/appeal process does not automatically suspend an academic decision unless suspension is authorized by the applicable policy or an authorized University official determines that interim relief is appropriate.
XI. LEAVE OF ABSENCE A student's request for or use of a Leave of Absence shall be governed by the NLU
MSPAS Leave of Absence Policy and applicable NLU requirements. The MSPAS Leave of Absence Policy shall be used to determine:
Eligibility;
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Required documentation; Approval procedures; Expected return date; Academic planning; Re-entry requirements;
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• Effect on the curriculum sequence; and • Relationship to program completion requirements.
The Program's approved Leave of Absence Policy is incorporated into this policy by reference: NLU MSPAS Leave of Absence Policy A grievance or appeal concerning a Leave of Absence decision shall be handled under the applicable University or Program appeal process.
XII. ACADEMIC PROGRESSION AND REMEDIATION The MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy governs substantive requirements for:
Academic standing;
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• Identification of academic deficiencies; • Remediation; • Academic plans; • Progression; • Conditions for continued enrollment; • Required reassessment; • Consequences of unsuccessful remediation; and • Applicable appeal rights.
The policy is incorporated into this grievance policy by reference: NLU MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy
A student who believes an academic progression or remediation decision was made contrary to published criteria or procedures may utilize the applicable academic appeal process for NLU.
XIII. WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND Student withdrawal from the University or MSPAS Program is governed by applicable NLU withdrawal procedures and the MSPAS Program's requirements. The NLU Withdrawal-Refund Policy establishes the University's tuition refund rules based upon the timing and duration of courses. National Louis University The current University policy is available at: NLU Withdrawal-Refund Policy A student grievance concerning a withdrawal decision shall not alter the University's published financial refund requirements unless an authorized University official determines otherwise under applicable policy.
XIV. HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION The NLU MSPAS Program prohibits discrimination, harassment, and other prohibited conduct covered by NLU policy or applicable law. Students may report concerns involving:
Faculty;
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Staff;
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Administrators; Clinical faculty;
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Preceptors;
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Clinical-site personnel;
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Other students;
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• Patients or visitors when applicable; or • Other members of the educational community.
Reports involving protected-class discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or Title IX matters shall be referred to the appropriate NLU office. NLU publishes its Anti-Discrimination Policy through Student Rights and Information. National Louis University NLU Anti-Discrimination Policy Students may also access NLU's incident-reporting and issue-resolution resources: NLU "Let Us Know" / Incident Reporting The MSPAS Program shall cooperate fully with authorized University investigations. XV. CLINICAL ROTATION GRIEVANCES Because PA education includes supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs), students may encounter concerns involving clinical preceptors, clinical faculty, patients, clinical staff, site conditions, evaluation, scheduling, professional conduct, discrimination, harassment, or other clinical matters. Students should promptly report concerns to the appropriate clinical course director or Program Director. Immediate notification is required when a concern involves:
Patient safety;
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Student safety;
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Harassment or discrimination;
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Sexual misconduct;
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Retaliation;
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Professional misconduct; Unsafe clinical conditions; Scope-of-practice concerns;
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Impairment;
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Threats or violence; or
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• Conduct potentially requiring immediate removal from a clinical site.
The Program may temporarily remove a student from a clinical site while a concern is evaluated when necessary to protect the student, patients, clinical personnel, or the integrity of the educational experience. Such interim action is not itself a final finding of misconduct. XVI. STUDENT APPEAL RIGHTS Students shall receive appeal rights when such rights are provided by the applicable NLU or MSPAS policy. An appeal shall generally identify:
1. The decision being appealed; 2. The applicable policy; 3. The specific basis for appeal; 4. Relevant evidence; 5. The requested remedy; and 6. Any applicable deadline.
Appeals shall not be granted solely because a student disagrees with a decision when the applicable policy does not provide a basis for appeal. NLU's published academic appeal process identifies specific grounds for academic appeals, including failure to publish criteria, inconsistency with University/program policy, failure to follow published procedures, or substantial influence by factors outside the published criteria. National Louis University
XVII. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND IMPARTIAL REVIEW A person shall not participate as the sole decision-maker in a grievance or appeal when that person:
Is the subject of the complaint;
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• Has a direct personal interest in the outcome; • Has a significant conflict of interest; • Has previously made the decision being appealed and is not authorized to participate in the appeal; or • Has another circumstance that creates a reasonable concern regarding impartiality. When appropriate, the Program Director may refer the matter to the Department Chair, Dean, Student Affairs, Senior Academic Officer, Title IX Coordinator, or another authorized University official. XVIII. CONFIDENTIALITY AND FERPA The Program shall protect student educational records in accordance with FERPA and applicable NLU policies. Information concerning a grievance shall be shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational, administrative, investigative, safety, or legal need to know, subject to applicable University policy and law. Students should understand that confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed when disclosure is required by law, necessary to protect health or safety, or necessary to conduct a fair investigation. NLU maintains a FERPA notification describing students' rights concerning educational records. National Louis University NLU FERPA Notification
XIX. NON-RETALIATION Retaliation is prohibited.
No student shall be penalized, threatened, intimidated, disadvantaged, dismissed, academically sanctioned, denied access to educational opportunities, or otherwise subjected to adverse treatment because the student:
Filed a good-faith grievance; Filed an academic appeal;
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• Reported harassment or discrimination; • Reported unsafe clinical conditions; • Participated in an investigation; • Served as a witness; • Assisted another student in raising a concern; or • Exercised a right protected by University policy or law.
NLU expressly provides that filing a complaint will not result in retaliation and directs students who experience retaliation to contact the Assistant Dean of Students or designee. National Louis University Any allegation of retaliation shall be evaluated independently of the underlying grievance when appropriate. XX. INTERIM MEASURES When a grievance or report presents a potential concern involving safety, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, patient welfare, or significant disruption to the educational environment, the Program or University may implement reasonable interim measures. Interim measures may include:
• Temporary reassignment of faculty; • Temporary change of clinical site; • Temporary modification of communication; • No-contact directives when appropriate; • Academic support; • Counseling or Student Affairs referral; • Temporary clinical removal; • Alternative educational arrangements; or • Other reasonable measures.
Interim measures shall not be interpreted as a finding that misconduct occurred.
XXI. EXTERNAL COMPLAINT PROCESSES Students are encouraged to use NLU's internal resolution processes before pursuing external complaints when appropriate. NLU publishes information regarding external complaint processes, including complaint avenues through:
Illinois Board of Higher Education;
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• Florida Department of Education, when applicable; • Higher Learning Commission; and • Other applicable state agencies.
NLU Student Complaints and Grievances — External Complaint Information Nothing in this policy is intended to prevent a student from exercising an independent right to file a complaint with an appropriate governmental, regulatory, accrediting, licensing, or other authorized external entity. XXII. STUDENT EMPLOYMENT WHILE ENROLLED The NLU MSPAS Program is a rigorous, full-time graduate professional program. Students must ensure that employment does not interfere with:
Required classroom attendance;
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Laboratory activities;
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Examinations;
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Clinical skills training;
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Required clinical experiences;
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Clinical-site schedules;
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Patient-care responsibilities;
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Study requirements;
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Program assessments; or Other program obligations.
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Students shall not represent themselves as physician assistants or perform duties outside their authorized scope based upon their status as an MSPAS student.
Students shall not use PA student status to independently provide medical care outside the supervision and authorization established by applicable law, clinical-site policy, University policy, and Program requirements. The Program strongly discourages employment that interferes with academic or clinical responsibilities. Any separate NLU student employment or financial-aid requirements remain applicable. XXIII. TRAVEL TO REQUIRED CLINICAL ROTATION SITES Students are responsible for complying with NLU and PA Program requirements concerning attendance and travel to required SCPE sites. Because clinical education may occur at multiple affiliated clinical locations, students may be required to travel beyond the primary instructional location. Students are responsible for: • Arriving at assigned clinical sites on time; • Maintaining reliable transportation; • Planning adequate travel time; • Complying with clinical-site parking and access requirements; • Maintaining any required documentation; • Complying with clinical-site policies; • Making appropriate housing arrangements when required; and • Assuming personal travel and housing expenses unless the Program or University expressly states otherwise. The Program will communicate required clinical-site locations and relevant expectations as early as practicable. Students shall not independently arrange substitutions for required SCPEs without Program authorization. Concerns about clinical-site assignment, required travel, housing, transportation, or related circumstances may be brought to the Clinical Education team or Program Director.
XXIV. RELATIONSHIP TO ARC-PA STANDARD A3.14 The NLU MSPAS Program maintains separate policies and procedures addressing the substantive requirements identified in ARC-PA Sixth Edition Standard A3.14. ARC-PA A3.14 NLU MSPAS/University Policy Mechanism a. Academic standards to maintain enrollment and progress NLU MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy; NLU Academic Catalog b. Requirements/deadlines for completion MSPAS curriculum, academic progression policy, program handbook/catalog
MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy MSPAS Academic Progression/Remediation and applicable program procedures MSPAS withdrawal procedures and NLU Withdrawal- Refund Policy MSPAS Academic Progression/Remediation and applicable NLU academic/student conduct policies This NLU MSPAS Academic Grievance Policy and NLU Student Complaints and Grievances process This policy and applicable NLU Academic Appeals/Student Conduct appeal processes
c. Remediation
d. Deceleration
e. Withdrawal
f. Dismissal
g. Student grievances
h. Student appeals
This policy and applicable NLU employment/financial-aid requirements
i. Student employment
This policy and MSPAS clinical education/SCPE procedures
j. Travel to required rotation sites
ARC-PA's Sixth Edition specifically requires publication and consistent application of all ten categories, including student grievances, appeals, employment, and travel to required rotation sites.
XXV. RELATIONSHIP TO ARC-PA A3.01 The NLU MSPAS Program shall publish, make readily available, and consistently apply its policies to students, principal faculty, instructional faculty, staff, and the Program Director, regardless of the student's instructional or clinical location. Program policies shall be maintained through controlled versions and reviewed periodically.
Where a University policy applies, the Program shall comply with the University policy in addition to applicable Program requirements.
XXVI. RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENT ACADEMIC PROGRESSION The grievance and appeal process does not replace the Program's responsibility to conduct frequent, objective, and documented evaluations of student performance. The Program shall continue to evaluate student performance and identify deficiencies in a timely manner. A student grievance shall not automatically eliminate an academic requirement or prevent the Program from addressing an identified academic or professional deficiency. Similarly, the initiation of a grievance shall not automatically constitute evidence that an academic decision was improper. XXVII. DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD RETENTION The Program shall maintain appropriate documentation of formal grievances and appeals consistent with NLU record-retention requirements. Documentation may include:
Original complaint or appeal; Supporting documentation;
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Correspondence;
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Investigation materials;
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Meeting notes;
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Decisions; Appeals;
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Final determinations; Interim measures;
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Resolution documentation; and
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• Evidence of communication to the student.
Student records shall be maintained in a manner consistent with FERPA and NLU records policies.
XXVIII. PROGRAM ASSESSMENT OF GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS The Program shall periodically review aggregate grievance and appeal data as part of continuous program improvement. The review may include:
Number and type of grievances;
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• Academic versus non-academic concerns; • Clinical versus didactic concerns; • Time to resolution; • Appeal outcomes; • Recurring concerns; • Policy-related concerns; • Student feedback regarding the process; • Retaliation allegations; • Harassment/discrimination trends when legally and appropriately reportable in aggregate; and • Corrective actions resulting from identified trends. Individual student identities shall not be disclosed in aggregate assessment reports except as permitted or required by applicable law and policy. The purpose of this assessment is not to discourage complaints but to identify opportunities to improve:
Program policies; Communication;
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Faculty development; Clinical education;
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Student support;
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Academic processes; Student services; and
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• The overall student educational experience.
XXIX. POLICY COMMUNICATION The NLU MSPAS Program shall make this policy readily available to prospective and enrolled students through the Program's public website, student handbook, catalog, or other readily accessible electronic platform. Students shall be informed of the policy during orientation and may be reminded of grievance and appeal procedures at appropriate points during the curriculum. NLU's Student Affairs website serves as an additional institutional resource for complaints, grievances, academic appeals, student conduct appeals, and related processes. National Louis University
XXX. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students are responsible for:
1. Reviewing applicable Program and University policies; 2. Raising concerns promptly; 3. Providing accurate information;
4. Meeting applicable appeal deadlines; 5. Maintaining appropriate professionalism;
6. Preserving relevant documentation; 7. Participating honestly in investigations; 8. Maintaining confidentiality regarding other students and patient information;
9. Following clinical-site requirements; and 10. Cooperating with resolution processes.
A student shall not be penalized merely because a grievance is unsuccessful when the grievance was submitted in good faith.
XXXI. FACULTY AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES Faculty and staff shall:
Treat student concerns seriously;
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• Provide accurate information concerning applicable procedures; • Avoid retaliation;
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality; • Refer concerns to the appropriate University office when required; • Document relevant matters; • Cooperate with investigations; • Avoid conflicts of interest; and • Apply Program policies consistently.
Faculty and staff shall not discourage a student from exercising a legitimate grievance or appeal right.
XXXII. PROGRAM DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES The Program Director shall:
• Ensure that grievance and appeal policies remain current; • Ensure policies are published and accessible; • Ensure faculty and staff understand applicable procedures; • Receive or appropriately route MSPAS student concerns; • Ensure appropriate referral to University offices; • Avoid participating when a conflict of interest exists; • Monitor aggregate grievance trends; • Report significant policy concerns through appropriate governance channels; and • Ensure that the Program's grievance procedures remain aligned with ARC-PA Standards and NLU policies.
XXXIII. POLICY REVIEW AND REVISION This policy shall be reviewed at least annually and whenever:
ARC-PA Standards change; NLU policies change; Applicable law changes; Program structure changes;
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• Clinical education requirements change; or • Assessment of grievance data identifies a need for revision.
Policy revisions shall proceed through appropriate NLU and MSPAS governance processes. The most current approved version shall supersede previous versions.
XXXIV. RELATED POLICIES AND RESOURCES National Louis University
Student Complaints and Grievances NLU Student Complaints and Grievances Student Guidebook NLU Student Guidebook Student Rights and Information NLU Student Rights and Information Anti-Discrimination Policy NLU Anti-Discrimination Policy FERPA Notification NLU FERPA Notification Academic Catalog and Policies NLU Catalogs, Policies and Course Information Withdrawal-Refund Policy NLU Withdrawal-Refund Policy
Incident Reporting / Let Us Know NLU Let Us Know / Incident Reporting NLU MSPAS Program MSPAS Leave of Absence Policy NLU MSPAS Leave of Absence Policy
MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy NLU MSPAS Academic Progression and Remediation Policy
NLU Academic Appeals Policy on Academic Appeals NLU Policy on Academic Appeals
XXXV. ARC-PA COMPLIANCE CROSSWALK This policy is intended to provide documented evidence supporting the following ARC- PA Sixth Edition requirements: ARC-PA Standard Policy Evidence A3.01 Published, accessible, consistently applied Program policy
Cross-reference to published academic standards and progression policy
A3.14a
Cross-reference to curriculum/program completion requirements
A3.14b
Academic Progression and Remediation Policy
A3.14c
Deceleration procedures/cross-reference
A3.14d
Withdrawal procedures and NLU Withdrawal-Refund Policy
A3.14e
Dismissal procedures and applicable appeal rights
A3.14f
MSPAS student grievance procedures
A3.14g
MSPAS/University student appeal procedures
A3.14h
Student employment provisions
A3.14i
Required SCPE travel provisions
A3.14j
Academic standards made available to students
A3.15
Institutional responsibility and student policy framework
A1.02
Referral/application of institutional harassment procedures
A1.02g
Relationship between grievances and documented student evaluation
B4.01
Preservation of summative evaluation and competency decisions
B4.03
C1.01/C1.02, as applicable
Aggregate grievance data incorporated into program assessment
XXXVI. APPROVAL AND CONTROL Policy Owner: NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program Responsible Official: Program Director Reviewing Body: MSPAS Program Faculty/appropriate NLU governance body
Effective Date: _11/1/2026____________ Next Review Date: ____11/1/2027________________ Version: 1.0
Supersedes: New Policy Related ARC-PA Standards: A3.01; A3.14(a-j); A3.15; A1.02 and other applicable standards STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT I acknowledge that I have been provided access to the NLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Academic Grievance, Student Appeals, Harassment, Discrimination, and Non-Retaliation Policy and understand that additional NLU University policies and procedures may apply to particular concerns.
Student Name: ______________________________________ Student Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________
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