Student Rights and Responsibilities
Academic Integrity
The University is first and foremost an academic community. Students and faculty together engage in the discovery, analysis, application, development, and transmission of knowledge as it pertains to psychological and clinical mental health theory and practice. In order for this honorable pursuit to progress successfully, a firm commitment to academic integrity is required from all members of the intellectual community. Academic integrity entails a respect and reverence for knowledge as a human good and for the whole academic process, by which that knowledge is pursued and transmitted.
Specifically, it entails honesty in all one’s academic dealings. Students at Divine Mercy University therefore shall not engage in or tolerate acts of academic dishonesty. These acts include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, and any act or attempt to commit an act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor, providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment). Students shall acknowledge in appropriate fashion the contributions of others to their work where such acknowledgment is due.
The submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work is the student’s own and that the work has been completed in accordance with the standards of the course or assigned project. At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of the instructor to provide students with a statement clarifying the application of the University academic integrity policy to his or her course. In cases where a violation of academic integrity has been verified, the faculty member has the responsibility for determining the academic consequences, which may include assigning a failing grade for the assignment, exam, or course, or non- acceptance of the thesis or dissertation. Consequences can include probation from the University for a designated period of time, and in extreme cases, permanent dismissal from the University. Students accused of a violation of academic integrity have the right to appeal the accusation and/or the imposed penalty. All such appeals are handled through the DMU student grievance process.
Class Lectures and Handouts
In order to respect the academic integrity of the classroom the following are not allowed without the express prior consent of the instructor:
- No one except registered students are to attend the class (either in person or via Zoom)
- Handouts from the instructor may not be distributed to non-students
- Lectures may not be recorded by students
Plagiarism
Self-plagiarism
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Writing
- where an AI bot is drawing its information from,
- if the AI provides citations, whether the information is accurate, and
- whether any given content generated is plagiarized.
Students are permitted to utilize AI in their written work under the following conditions:
- Students may use AI for brainstorming purposes or to explore topics, but any text created from AI is not considered to be scholarship. Students are responsible for finding the primary sources where the information was derived. They must locate and read the original source of the AI output and must paraphrase and appropriately cite the original source content.
- Students are not permitted to turn in work for essays and assignments created by AI even if they paraphrase the AI generated content and cite the AI software as the source. An exception would be if AI generated content was being used as an example of AI text generation. In such a case, the AI would be cited as the source of the material.
In cases where a violation of plagiarism has been verified, the faculty member and the program director has the responsibility for determining the academic consequences which are determined by the degree of plagiarism and the frequency. (Source: California Lutheran University)
| Degree of Plagiarism | Description of Violation | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal |
|
|
| Substantial |
|
First offense in first course at
With subsequent offenses:
Third Offense
|
| Complete |
|
|
(Source: Columbia International University)
Student Conduct Policy
Giving full respect to the pursuit of the degree students are seeking, it is imperative that students experience and actively maintain a safe, inclusive, harassment-free, and flourishing academic environment. Students are asked to once again carefully review the University’s policies regarding appropriate conduct, ensuring that you understand its contents.
The University’s Statement of Identity and policies on Student Code of Conduct, Non-Discrimination, and a Harassment-Free Environment are included below.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Divine Mercy University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.
It is unlawful to sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of the DMU drug and alcohol policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior DMU approval. Any individual, group, or organization violating the drug and alcohol policies, or laws may be subject to sanctions by DMU.
The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause: blackouts, poisoning and overdose; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety. Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with a variety of crimes. Individuals concerned about their own health or that of a fellow student should consult mental health professionals that are available in their area.
Should it be necessary, DMU will refer the student or employee to an appropriate mental health provider, rehabilitation program, or drug counselor.
Penalties
Penalties for violating the University’s policy may include expulsion from the school and referral for prosecution. Federal and state law also penalize the unlawful manufacturing, possession, use, and distribution of illicit substances. The penalties vary based on many factors, including the type and amount of the drug involved, and whether there is intent to distribute. Federal law holds that any person who distributes, possesses with the intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance on or within one thousand feet of an educational facility is subject to doubling of the applicable maximum punishments and
fines.
Health and Behavioral Risks
The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause: blackouts, poisoning and overdose; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety. Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with a variety of crimes. Individuals concerned about their own health or that of a friend should consult a physician or mental health professional.
Treatment
Should it be necessary, the University will refer the student or employee to an appropriate rehabilitation program or drug counselor.
Student Code of Conduct
At the core of the standard of conduct of Divine Mercy University is the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the transcendent dignity of every human person, created “in the image of God” (Gn 1:27). This dignity calls the members of the DMU community to respond to each other above all with charity, seeking always the true good of the other person (CCC 1822-29). Created by God, who is Truth Himself (Jn 14:6), the human person is called furthermore “to live the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15;). As an academic community rooted in the life of the Church, the members of the IPS community are to pursue and defend the truth in all their endeavors. Finally, made in God’s image, the human person is recognized as a free and responsible being (CCC 1738). Within the boundaries of civil law, institutional policies of DMU, and Catholic moral and religious teaching (CCC 1691-2557), this freedom for excellence is to be respected and encouraged by all members of the DMU community. DMU core values include: faith, hope, charity, truth and goodness, scholarship and academic excellence, service and compassion, integrity and honesty, justice and responsible freedom, forgiveness and Reconciliation. Following from the general principles outlined above, a series of more specific standards may be stated to communicate more fully the expectations regarding moral life at the Institute. The listing of these standards is illustrative rather than exhaustive:
- charitable respect and tolerance for diverse backgrounds, traditions, personalities, and beliefs of students, faculty, staff, and clients;
- mutual service to others in the common search for truth;
- personal responsibility to participate in the life of the Institute, seek truth and wisdom, and develop right practical judgment;
- development of reverence for God and his creation;
- commitment to develop personal, moral, and spiritual character through academic efforts and personal reflection;
- dedication to accept responsibility for moral decisions and actions in terms of rewards and consequences;
- respect for the property of DMU and personal property of others on site at DMU;
- concern for preserving the peace and ensuring orderly procedures;
- shared responsibility for maintaining an appropriate academic and moral climate on campus;
- respect for others and oneself displayed by appropriate conduct.
Anti-Hazing Policy
Divine Mercy University (“University”) embraces the Catholic Church’s vision of God and the human person flourishing. This vision guides the University’s commitment to character, conduct, and a model of training that fosters the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of the community. Therefore, the University maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward hazing as a violation against the dignity of the person. This policy is in compliance with federal and state law, including the Stop Campus Hazing Act. Hazing is defined as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual or induces, causes, or requires a person to perform a task that involves violation of applicable law, for the purpose of initiation or membership in a group, regardless of consent. While such behavior is inconsistent with our values, this policy exists to ensure all students, faculty, and staff are protected, informed, and held to a high standard of conduct.
This policy applies to the entire campus community, including student organizations.
A student organization is a University club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University.
- An established student organization is a group created by the University, which is in existence but does not have to register as a student organization (including but not limited to athletic teams, musical or theatrical ensembles, and academic or administrative units).
- A recognized student organization consists of a number of persons who are associated with each other (two or more of whom are enrolled students) and have registered with the University as a student organization (such as clubs, club sports, or fraternities and sororities).
All members of the campus community are encouraged to report hazing through confidential, anonymous, or formal channels. Confidential reports may be made to mental health professionals, healthcare providers, or clergy members acting in their professional capacity, as these individuals are legally and ethically bound to maintain confidentiality. Anonymous reports can be submitted via email, voicemail, or regular mail where the reporter’s identity is not required and no identifying information is collected. Regardless of the method chosen, all reports are taken seriously and will be addressed according to University policy and applicable law. For formal complaints:
Email: Complaints@divinemercy.edu
Written: Grievance Officer, 45154 Underwood Lane, Sterling VA 20166
Reports will be investigated by the grievance officer following established procedures to ensure fairness and compliance. See grievance process here. Retaliation against any individual involved in a report or investigation is strictly prohibited. Sanctions for violations may include disciplinary action up to dismissal for individuals, and suspension or loss of recognition for student organizations.
Divine Mercy University is committed to fostering a respectful and safe environment. Periodic training will be provided for all students, faculty and staff on research-based hazing education and prevention programs. In the event of a hazing incident, the University will take prompt and appropriate action, including reporting incidents as required by the Clery Act and applicable laws.
FEDERAL AND STATE HAZING DEFINITIONS
Hazing (per Federal law)
The term ‘hazing’, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that—
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
- causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—
-
- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
Hazing Under Virginia Law
- 18.2-56. Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty.
It shall be unlawful to haze so as to cause bodily injury, any student at any school or institution of higher education.
Any person found guilty thereof shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Any person receiving bodily injury by hazing shall have a right to sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty thereof, whether adults or infants.
The president or other presiding official of any school or institution of higher education receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall, upon satisfactory proof of the guilt of any student hazing another student, sanction and discipline such student in accordance with the institution’s policies and procedures. The institution’s policies and procedures shall provide for expulsions or other appropriate discipline based on the facts and circumstances of each case and shall be consistent with the model policies established by the Department of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, as applicable. The president or other presiding official of any school or institution of higher education receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall report hazing which causes bodily injury to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such school or institution of higher education is, who shall take such action as he deems appropriate.
For the purposes of this section, “hazing” means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily injury on a student or students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.
FEDERAL/STATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Campus Hazing Transparency Reports (“CHTR”)
Beginning July 1, 2025, the University will publish in a prominent location on the public website information with respect to hazing incidents where there has been a finding of responsibility against registered or established groups/organizations. This report will be updated at least twice per year if there are additional findings of responsibility to document.
The CHTR will be publicly available on the University webpage.
It will include, at a minimum:
- the period from when the Report was last published and ending on the date it is being republished;
- each incident involving a student organization for which a finding of responsibility is issued relating to a hazing violation, including;
- Name of the organization;
- Dates of incidents
- Information and description of the violation
The CHTR may include any additional information determined by the University as necessary or reported as required by State law. The CHTR will not include Personally Identifiable Information in the report.
Clery Act and Annual Security Report
The Clery Act is a federal crime and incident disclosure law. It requires, among other things, that the University report the number of incidents of certain crimes that occur within particular geographic locations (Clery geography). Beginning with the 2026 Annual Security Report, the University must also include hazing incidents reported to have occurred within Clery geography. The first calendar year that will include hazing statistics is 2025. The Clery Act also requires the University to issue a warning to the community in certain circumstances.
In the statistical disclosures and warnings to the community, the University will ensure that a complainant’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed.
The Office of Operations will refer information to the director, when appropriate, for a determination about Clery-related actions, such as disclosing crime statistics or sending campus notifications.
TRAINING AND PREVENTION
In alignment with the prevention and awareness program requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, University maintains a commitment to not only address incidents of hazing that occur, but also to educate our campus community about hazing and healthy alternatives to prevent this type of harm and to encourage a culture of safety.
This training will focus on the following learning outcomes:
- Define hazing and describe the three components of hazing.
- Identify types of harm that can result from hazing.
- Recognize a range of hazing behaviors and scenarios.
- Differentiate healthy and unhealthy group behaviors.
- Demonstrate familiarity with non-hazing activities that build group cohesion, sense of belonging, and support leadership development.
- Be familiar with skills needed to intervene in situations where hazing occurs or is likely to occur.
- Explain why learning about hazing is essential to well-being and belonging.
Training is provided by the Office of Academic Affairs. All students, faculty, and staff will be provided anti-hazing training upon joining the institution and then annually in the fall. To learn more or schedule additional training, please email using this link.
Harassment-Free Environment
It is the policy of Divine Mercy University that no student, employee, or volunteer of DMU should be subject to unsolicited, unwelcome, abusive, or offensive conduct of either a verbal or physical nature. Harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, is personally offensive, interferes with efficiency or creates uneasiness. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to: repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions; continued or repeated verbal abuse of a racial nature; graphic, degrading, or demeaning ethnic comments about an individual or about his/her appearance; the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; or any other offensive or abusive verbal comments or physical contact. Further, students and employees will not be subjected to third party harassment, which is defined as behavior that is personally offensive to an observing party. Students or University representatives engaging in any act that harasses or discriminates against another person because of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, marital status, or the presence of a disability, shall not be tolerated. Such conduct is specifically prohibited. Appropriate action will be taken by the University administration.”
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The University admits to its programs qualified students of any age, race, gender, color, nationality or ethnic origin. Applicants should understand that the central mission of Divine Mercy University is the development of a Christian approach to mental health science and practice. The University welcomes qualified students of any religious faith; nonetheless, all students who seek admission must sincerely desire to share the University’s mission and objectives. Given its distinct and unique goal of integrating with the Catholic view of the person, the degree programs at the University differ from traditional programs in their approach, while maintaining the rigor in both the quantity and quality of clinical training.
Grievance Process Policy and Procedures
Due process for student grievances
It is the policy of the University to utilize due process in handling student grievances. It is also the policy of the University to utilize due process in disciplinary actions taken against students.
In a Christian academic environment, every effort should be made to sustain a relationship of charity and cooperation between all members of the community. Occasionally, however, a student may have a grievance with a member of the faculty, staff, or fellow student/peer. The student with the grievance should endeavor first to meet with the other party to discuss the difficulty in an attempt to resolve the issue. If the student does not feel at ease approaching the individual, or is not satisfied with the results of such a meeting, he or she should consult the vice president of academic affairs who will provide guidance as to what additional steps, if any, should be taken. If resolution is not reached at this informal level, the student may then wish to file a formal grievance. At any point in the process described herein, the student filing a grievance will always have the option to withdraw the grievance. The University has established the following grievance resolution procedure for students to use for all aspects of their experience with academic, student, and other support services of the University.
Confidentiality
In the grievance resolution process, every reasonable effort will be made to protect the privacy of all parties. All records pertaining to the investigation and to the disposition of the grievance shall be maintained in sealed files in conformity with state and federal privacy requirements. Records of individuals involved or alleged to be involved in a grievance will be made available to officials of the University who have a need to know, and otherwise only in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and only to the extent required by law.
Seeking Resolution for a complaint or grievance
The student has two options.
- Option 1: Take no action The student has decided, for personal reasons, that the occurrence does not warrant further attention.
- Option 2: Use the University’s resolution procedures, following the steps summarized below.
Step 1: Informal resolutions Meet with the other party to discuss the difficulty in an attempt to resolve the issue. As stated above, every effort should be made to sustain a relationship of charity and cooperation between all members of the community. The student with the grievance should endeavor first to meet with the other party to discuss the difficulty in an attempt to resolve the issue. If the student does not feel at ease approaching the individual, or is not satisfied with the results of such a meeting, he or she should consult the Vice President of Academic Affairs who will provide guidance as to what additional steps, if any, should be taken. If resolution is not reached at this informal level, the student may then wish to file a formal grievance. At any point in the process described herein, the student filing a grievance will always have the option to withdraw the grievance. The University has established the following grievance resolution procedure for students to use for all aspects of their experience with academic, student, and other support services of the University.
Step 2: File a formal complaint using the student grievance resolution procedures A formal complaint typically cannot be made until an informal resolution process has been conducted. Depending on the nature of the allegation, the formal complaint process requires 90 business days to complete the first level of formal review. When a formal complaint is filed against another person in the university, the complainant is required to provide documentation that they attempted to resolve the complaint with the individual, summarizing the actions taken and the supporting documentation.
When preparing a complaint, students should be as specific as possible, detailing exactly what the allegation is, the name of the individual who committed the act, and why it was offensive. Include supporting material and witnesses if available, as this adds strength to the allegation.
Resolution procedures for student grievance with faculty member or student/peer
Student grievances directed to a member(s) of the faculty or student body (referred to herein as the respondent) will be handled as follows:
- Filing a Grievance: The complainant shall file a written grievance with the Academic Dean. The complainant shall record with specificity the circumstances of his/her grievance. Use the form linked here: Formal Grievance Form
- Time limits: To use this procedure, the complainant must file the written complaint within 30 days from the action or event that forms the basis of the complaint. The 30 days are calendar days including weekends and days that classes are not in session.
- Fact-Finding Committee: The dean will appoint a fact-finding committee consisting of three faculty members. A chair of the committee will be designated by the academic dean. If a conflict of interest or other valid reason prevents a committee member from serving, the academic dean shall select an alternate. The academic dean shall make every effort to ensure that a fair, impartial, and representative committee hears the matter.
- Notification: The academic dean shall give the respondent written notification that a grievance has been filed, as well as a copy of the grievance. The respondent may file a written response with the fact-finding committee chair. The academic dean shall provide a copy of the response to the complainant.
- Investigation: The following standards for investigation will be observed:
- in conducting the investigation, the committee shall receive and review the grievance, the response, and other pertinent statements or documents;
- the complainant and respondent shall be given the opportunity to respond to one another’s statements, and individually to present witnesses or concerned parties in conformity to the evidence presented; and,
- the committee will interview witnesses and concerned parties individually and in conformity with privacy requirements, as it deems necessary.
- Fact-finding report: When, in the judgment of the committee, the positions of the complainant and respondent have been equitably heard, the committee shall submit a written fact-finding report to the academic dean. The fact-finding report shall contain the following:
- a statement of the issues under review;
- the positions of the parties;
- a finding of the results of the investigation;
- conclusion as to whether there is probable cause to believe that the grievance is valid; and,
- recommendations for action(s) to be taken.
The total time period for the investigation, from the filing of a written grievance to submission of the fact-finding report to the academic dean shall not exceed ninety (90) calendar days.
The chair of the fact-finding committee will maintain all records of the grievance, including its conclusions and recommendations. These records shall be transferred to the office of the academic dean at the time of disposition of the grievance. The records shall be maintained in conformity with state and federal privacy and disclosure requirements, policies and procedures.
Disposition of the grievance and disciplinary action
The academic dean will make the decision about action to be taken. The factual conclusions contained in the fact-finding report shall be binding upon the academic dean for the purpose of this determination.
The academic dean will discuss the decision with the chair of the fact-finding committee, prior to taking action, if the action to be taken is different than that recommended by the committee.
The academic dean will immediately notify the complainant and the respondent in writing of the disposition of the grievance once the decision has been made.
The decision of the academic dean will be made within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the fact-finding report. The decision may be appealed in writing by either the complainant or the respondent to the President of the University; the appeal must be made no later than fifteen (15) working days from the date of the academic dean’s notification of the decision.
If the complainant is a student and the student has not received a satisfactory resolution after exhausting all available grievance procedures established by the institution, the student may contact the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as a last resort in the grievance process, using this link: https://www.schev.edu/students/resources/student-complaints
Out-of-State Complaints Procedures for Online Students
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement – SARA
Divine Mercy University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and follows the complaint resolution policies and procedures outlined within the SARA Policy Manual and summarized here: https://nc-sara.org/student-complaints.
SARA consumer protection provisions require the institution’s home state, through its SARA State Portal Entity, to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by the state’s SARA-participating institutions, including the provision of false or misleading information.
Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution.
Procedure for Filing Complaints (for Students Residing Outside VA)
Divine Mercy University is committed to investigating consumer protection concerns raised by students in distance learning courses and/or programs taken outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including but not limited to truthfulness in advertising and accuracy of data related to course offerings, job placements, tuition, fees, and financial aid.
Consumer protection complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations may be submitted to Divine Mercy University by sending the complaint to complaints@divinemercy.edu for investigation and resolution.
Student complaints will be submitted to the vice president of academic affairs for digital learning, and examined objectively and thoroughly. The vice president will convene an ad hoc committee to evaluate the merit of the complaint and make any appropriate recommendation(s) for resolution and/or redress to the vice president. The vice president will make a final determination and communicate to the student the institution’s official response to the complaint as well as any warranted redress.
NC-SARA Complaint Process
If students at Divine Mercy University are not satisfied with the outcome of the institution’s complaint resolution process in connection with a SARA matter, they should contact the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia at the following webpage https://www.schev.edu/students/resources/student-complaints in accordance with NC-SARA complaint procedures.
Student Complaints
101 N. 14th Street, 10th floor
James Monroe Building
RIchmond, VA 23219
804.225.2600
Please note, this does not include complaints related to grades or student conduct violations, both of which are to be fully addressed via Divine Mercy University processes, not through the NC-SARA complaint resolution procedures.
NC-SARA Licensure Notifications
Any institution operating under SARA policies that offers courses or programs potentially leading to professional licensure must keep all students, applicants and potential students who have contacted the institution about the course or program informed as to whether successful completion of such offerings will meet state licensing requirements.
Additional information can be found here: https://www.nc-sara.org/resources/professional-licensure
A list of NC-SARA State Portal Entity Contacts is available through the NC-SARA webpage.
Since California is not an NC-SARA member, students can direct complaints to the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Procedures for veterans and other eligible persons
The student grievance process policy should be followed by all students. Veterans and other eligible persons may report a grievance against the institution to the Virginia State Approving Agency and US Department of Veterans Affairs as required: The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. Our office investigates complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.
Student grievance resolution procedures involving staff
The same procedures as described for student grievances directed to faculty will be followed in the case of a student grievance directed to a staff member, with the following two exceptions:
- the Vice President for Finance and Administration will serve in place of the academic dean
- the fact-finding committee will be appointed from either staff or faculty of the University.
Retaliation prohibited
DMU strictly prohibits retaliation against a member of the University community who files a grievance, against whom a grievance is filed, or who otherwise is a participant in the grievance resolution procedure. Such retaliatory conduct includes, but is not limited to, decreasing an employee’s pay, reducing a student’s grade, or downgrading a person’s
performance evaluation.
