Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2024-2025 Graduate Academic Catalog
The procedures set forth below may be used by individuals bringing complaints (“ complainants ”) who are enrolled as students at Gwynedd Mercy University . The complainant must be the alleged victim of unfair treatment ; a complaint cannot be filed on behalf of another person . The existence of this procedure does not prohibit complainants from also filing claims in other forums to the extent permitted by national , state , or local law or applicable accrediting agencies .
The formal resolution process described below must be initiated within ten ( 10 ) business days of the decision , action , or events giving rise to the complaint . The College Dean may extend this time limit at his or her discretion if good cause is shown .
Informal Resolution Before proceeding to the formal resolution process , complainants are expected to have discussed the concern with the person they allege to have caused the complaint ( the “ respondent ”). This requirement may be waived if the complainant has a reasonable basis for believing that such a discussion could result in physical injury , severe emotional distress , or discrimination . If the respondent does not respond to the complainant ’ s attempts at discussion , or if an equitable solution cannot be found , the case will proceed through the formal resolution process outlined below .
Formal Resolution If informal resolution is not successful , the complainant should file a written request for review with the College Dean . The request must :
1 . Provide the names of all respondents ; 2 . List the law or University policy that has allegedly been misapplied or misinterpreted , if known ; 3 . State how the decision or action was unfair and / or harmful to the complainant . 4 . State how the respondents are responsible for the action or decision ; and 5 . State the requested remedy .
The Dean will review the request . If it is clear that the complaint has not been filed within the time limit or pertains to a matter not applicable under this procedure or comes from a person without the right to issue a complaint , the Dean will dismiss the case and notify the complainant in writing . If the complaint is not dismissed , the Dean will review the information provided , gather any additional information required , and formulate a decision within fifteen ( 15 ) business days of receipt of the request . If the respondent is the Dean , the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will appoint another University administrator to issue a decision . Once a decision has been made , it will be recorded for the University record , and the complainant and respondent ( s ) will be notified of the decision in writing .
Final Appeal If the resolution provided by the Dean is not satisfactory to the complainant or respondent , that person may file a request for reconsideration via a final appeal . Such a request must be submitted in writing to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs within five ( 5 ) business days of receipt of the original decision . The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the information provided concerning the complaint , the request for reconsideration , and details regarding the complainant ’ s desired remedy . The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will issue a final decision within fifteen ( 15 ) business days of receiving the request for reconsideration . The Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs ’ decision may include one of the following options : 1 . A determination that the complaint was valid ; 2 . A determination that the complaint was not valid ; or 3 . A modification
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