This policy was formerly known as the open communication policy.
Eastern Mennonite University welcomes open communication from students regarding its policies and practices. Student feedback helps administrators determine effectiveness and clarify and improve processes and procedures. If a student has a complaint, such complaint should be communicated to the administrator responsible for the area of the complaint. Most complaints can be dealt with through informal communication between the parties.
When a student wishes to lodge a more formal complaint in writing, the student complaint form at emu.edu/about/student-complaint-form/ is to be completed. This form is submitted to the assistant to the president, who determines who will respond and address concerns. That person will respond within five days, and after hearing your concern, will officially respond in writing to you, with that response copied to the assistant to the president per the student complaint policy, detailed in the university handbook.
In the event that a student is not satisfied with the response to the complaint, the student may choose to follow the grievance procedure for resolution. The university recognizes its obligation to ensure that students who make complaints do not suffer adverse treatment as a result= of the complaint. In the event that a student alleges such treatment, the student shall be referred to the grievance procedure for resolution and reconciliation.
If an issue cannot be resolved by the university’s internal processes, students may file a formal complaint with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) at www.schev.edu/students/studentcomplaint.asp.
Approved by President’s Cabinet May 21, 2003
Revised March 12, 2007
Revised February 11, 2009
Updated March 2015