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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