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A. Student Complaints:  Students who have a concern or complaint may pursue such grievance by submitting it in writing according to the procedure listed below. 

Academic:

(Note: If the issue is related to a Grade Appeal, please see the Grade Appeals policy.)

1. Any student filing a complaint must first attempt to resolve it by consulting with the involved faculty or staff member.
2. Concerns related to a faculty or staff member that cannot be resolved between the two parties should be presented to the department chair. 
3. If the concern cannot be resolved by the department chair or is related to the department chair, the complaint should be filed with the dean of the college. 
4. Academic resolutions made by a dean are considered final unless the complaint is related to the dean of the college. In such case, the complaint should be filed with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
5. If the concern cannot be resolved by or relates to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, appropriate written documentation should be presented to the President of the University.

Non-Academic:

1. Any student with a complaint must first attempt to resolve it by consulting with the involved staff member or office.
2. Concerns related to a staff member or office that cannot be resolved between the two parties should be discussed with the respective director or dean of the unit.
3. Resolutions made by a director or dean are considered final unless the complaint is related to the director or dean.  In such case, the complaint should be filed with the Vice President for responsibility over the unit.
4. Should the concern not be resolved by or is related to the Vice President, appropriate documentation should be presented in writing to the President of the University.

B. Discrimination and Harassment:  Piedmont University is committed to creating and sustaining an educational and working environment free of discrimination and harassment of all types.  Any complaints regarding discrimination or harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at titleIX@piedmont.edu.  An Anonymous Tip Line is also provided on the Campus Safety website as a means by which students, faculty, staff or community members may relay information anonymously for investigation. 

C. Complaints against the Institution:  By Executive Order from the Governor of the State of Georgia, the Georgia Non-Public Postsecondary Education Commission is designated as the state agency responsible for receiving complaints made by students enrolled in private postsecondary institutions. (Contact information: Georgia Non-Public Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305. Office: (770) 414-3300.)

Concerns or complaints relating to compliance or accreditation should be addressed to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033.  Office: (770-679-4500).

 Any faculty member or member of the staff who believes that her or his rights have been invaded or ignored by a member of the faculty, staff, or by a student has the right to present a grievance to the Title IX Coordinator or the Director of Human Resources at:

Title IX Coordinator, Courtney Snow
1021 Central Avenue
Room 303  Daniel Hall 
P.O. BOX 10
Demorest, GA 30535
(706) 778-8500 ext. 2834
TitleIX@piedmont.edu

The University is committed to resolving employee grievances collegially. It is normally expected that informal resolution will be attempted by frank discussion between the appropriate persons. At-will employees may address grievances to their supervisors and, if deemed necessary, to their supervisors’ supervisor. Employees holding contracts may address grievances to their department chairs, and if deemed necessary, to their deans. Grievances involving alleged illegal discrimination or harassment shall be made pursuant to Sections 3.16 and 3.9 (Title IX Policy), respectively. Decisions concerning the termination of an at-will employee, non-renewal of a faculty contract, faculty promotion, or denial of tenure may not be the subject of a grievance.

 

Piedmont University prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a complaint regarding discrimination, including sexual harassment, violence or misconduct or is involved in the complaint process. Retaliation includes any adverse action or act of revenge against an individual for filing or encouraging one to file a complaint of discrimination, participating in an investigation of discrimination, or opposing discrimination.

The University will take immediate and responsive action to any report of retaliation and will pursue disciplinary action as appropriate.

 

An Anonymous Tip Line is also provided on the Campus Safety website as a means by which students, faculty, staff or community members may relay information anonymously for investigation.