Stage IV: Precondition 8. Grievance Process

Precondition 8	Examples of Acceptable Evidence	Statement of Assurance
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the approved program sponsor must have a clearly delineated grievance process for candidates and applicants. The grievance process information must be accessible to all candidates and applicants and the institution must be prepared to provide documentation that candidates have been informed of the grievance process and that the process has been followed. Note: While the Commission does not dictate a specific process for candidates to grieve actions and decisions related to the admission, progress, and completion of their program, the Commission may find it necessary to comment on an institution’s grievance process if it appears to unfairly disadvantage the candidate. Examples include requiring the candidate to grieve to the very same individuals for whom the grievance is directed.	Copies of or links to the institution’s grievance process for candidates and applicants. The grievance process needs to be easily accessible so information about where a candidate obtains this information is critical – Provide website URL to where the grievance process is housed. Evidence that demonstrates how candidates are informed of the existence of the grievance process – orientation materials or meeting agendas where it is clear that the grievance process was discussed.	ASU provides a structured, multi‑step process to ensure graduate students can address concerns—ranging from admission denials to academic issues or discrimination—fairly and promptly. ASU applicants with grievances, including issues related to admission decisions, discrimination, or procedural unfairness, should first attempt to resolve concerns informally with the department. Formal grievances often require contacting an ombudsperson within 30 days of the incident, or submitting a written complaint through the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities if related to discrimination. Discrimination/Title IX: For sexual violence or harassment, report to the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities, following the interim grievance process. Disability Accommodations: Concerns regarding accessibility should be directed to Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services. Graduate Policies and Procedures outlines Expressing Concerns and Resolving Conflicts, page 7. MLFC Specific Procedures and Resources MLFC has a clearly identified grievance process for handling all candidate grievances in a fair and timely manner. The student forms and policies webpage provides students with links to a form to petition to adjust graduate program requirements, how to request a Medical Compassionate Withdrawal and the Grade Appeal Policy and Process. The MLFC grade appeal process is in alignment with the university process. In the event a school district or community partner requests that a student be released from clinical placement for unprofessional or inappropriate behavior, the Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional Conduct Policy manual outlines on page 11 the process and how the student will have the opportunity to share their perspective, provide details, evidence or other supporting documentation to explain the situation from their perspective during the release meeting. If a student is unable to complete a course because of illness or other conditions beyond the student’s control, the student can submit an Incomplete Grade Request to the instructor. If students require escalated support, or know of a student who needs escalated support, they can submit a Support Our Students form. By submitting this form, MLFC leadership will initiate coordinated care strategist intervention to help the student(s) with the concern as quickly as possible. Evidence that demonstrates how candidates are informed of the existence of the grievance process MLFC CA Student Orientation: Grievance Process These presentations will also be posted on our Graduate Student Site once our programs are approved. The Graduate Student Site is designed to serve as a centralized, student‑facing hub where all essential academic, procedural, and support information is accessible in one place. By posting the required presentations, policy explanations, and grievance‑process materials, the site ensures that students can reliably obtain accurate, comprehensive guidance at any time.

Precondition 8

Examples of Acceptable Evidence

Statement of Assurance

To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the approved program sponsor must have a clearly delineated grievance process for candidates and applicants. The grievance process information must be accessible to all candidates and applicants and the institution must be prepared to provide documentation that candidates have been informed of the grievance process and that the process has been followed.

Note: While the Commission does not dictate a specific process for candidates to grieve actions and decisions related to the admission, progress, and completion of their program, the Commission may find it necessary to comment on an institution’s grievance process if it appears to unfairly disadvantage the candidate. Examples include requiring the candidate to grieve to the very same individuals for whom the grievance is directed.

Copies of or links to the institution’s grievance process for candidates and applicants.

The grievance process needs to be easily accessible so information about where a candidate obtains this information is critical – Provide website URL to where the grievance process is housed.

Evidence that demonstrates how candidates are informed of the existence of the grievance process – orientation materials or meeting agendas where it is clear that the grievance process was discussed.

ASU provides a structured, multi‑step process to ensure graduate students can address concerns—ranging from admission denials to academic issues or discrimination—fairly and promptly.

ASU applicants with grievances, including issues related to admission decisions, discrimination, or procedural unfairness, should first attempt to resolve concerns informally with the department. Formal grievances often require contacting an ombudsperson within 30 days of the incident, or submitting a written complaint through the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities if related to discrimination.

Discrimination/Title IX: For sexual violence or harassment, report to the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities, following the interim grievance process.

Disability Accommodations: Concerns regarding accessibility should be directed to Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services.

Graduate Policies and Procedures outlines Expressing Concerns and Resolving Conflicts, page 7.

MLFC Specific Procedures and Resources

MLFC has a clearly identified grievance process for handling all candidate grievances in a fair and timely manner. The student forms and policies webpage provides students with links to a form to petition to adjust graduate program requirements, how to request a Medical Compassionate Withdrawal and the Grade Appeal Policy and Process. The MLFC grade appeal process is in alignment with the university process.

In the event a school district or community partner requests that a student be released from clinical placement for unprofessional or inappropriate behavior, the Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional Conduct Policy manual outlines on page 11 the process and how the student will have the opportunity to share their perspective, provide details, evidence or other supporting documentation to explain the situation

from their perspective during the release meeting.

If a student is unable to complete a course because of illness or other conditions beyond the student’s control, the student can submit an Incomplete Grade Request to the instructor.

If students require escalated support, or know of a student who needs escalated support, they can submit a Support Our Students form. By submitting this form, MLFC leadership will initiate coordinated care strategist intervention to help the student(s) with the concern as quickly as possible.

Evidence that demonstrates how candidates are informed of the existence of the grievance process

MLFC CA Student Orientation: Grievance Process

These presentations will also be posted on our Graduate Student Site once our programs are approved. The Graduate Student Site is designed to serve as a centralized, student‑facing hub where all essential academic, procedural, and support information is accessible in one place. By posting the required presentations, policy explanations, and grievance‑process materials, the site ensures that students can reliably obtain accurate, comprehensive guidance at any time.