Grievance Policy

Rasmussen University recognizes the rights of individuals affiliated with the University to receive due process under the policies and practices that govern the University, and thus, individuals may submit a complaint through the impartial procedures of grievance as defined in these policies.

For the purposes of these policies, the following terms are defined:

• Complaint: An expressed feeling of dissatisfaction held by an individual regarding an action taken by the University or by members of the University community.
• Student Complainant: A current, former, or prospective student who has or had a direct connection with the University.
• Public Complainant: A member of the community who has or had a direct connection with the University or an indirect connection through a student or Rasmussen University employee.

Not all complaints rise to the level of a grievance unless specific allegations warrant the need to use the following grievance procedures to resolve the complaint. Complaints that do not include the specific allegations that make the concern eligible to be processed under the following grievance procedure should be directly addressed with the individual and/or department that oversees the area of concern.

A grievance is a complaint that alleges the University failed to properly apply a Rasmussen University policy, procedure, and/or standard practice. Disagreement with the outcome of a properly applied University policy, procedure, and/or standard practice does not constitute a grievance.

No retaliatory action may be made by the University or any of its representatives against those who have a complaint or submit a grievance, participate in the resolution process, or are the subject of the matter. The University will investigate and attempt to resolve each grievance made under these policies and any associated allegations of retaliation.

In compliance with Minn. Stat. § 136A.65, subd. 4(13), [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/ statutes/cite/136a.65] no grievance initiated under this policy with an allegation(s) of school actions or conduct that would be covered under Minn. Stat. § 136A.672 [https:// www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/136A.672] will be resolved with a nondisclosure agreement or other contract restricting a complainant’s ability to disclose information.

Grievance Procedure

Failure to follow the grievance procedure, including missed deadlines or failure to meet the definition of a grievance, may result in the submitted grievance being denied for review.

1. Informal Resolution
   The complainant is encouraged to first attempt to resolve the issue informally and directly with the individual or entity responsible for the concern, wherein safe and feasible.

2. Grievance Submission
   If the issue is not resolved informally, the complainant may submit a grievance by completing the Grievance Form within ten (10) business days of the complaint or the conclusion of the informal resolution. The link to the grievance form can be found at https://guides.rasmussen.edu/disputeresolutionpolicies.

   The following process will apply:
   The Campus/Online Executive Director will review the submitted grievance form to determine whether the complaint constitutes a grievance as defined within this policy. The Campus/Online Executive Director will provide a response within three (3) business days, indicating whether the complaint is accepted for review as a grievance or dismissed because it does not meet the definition of a grievance as defined in this policy.

   For submissions accepted as grievances, the Campus/Online Executive Director will have fifteen (15) business days from the date submitted to conduct a thorough review and render a written determination to the grievance.

3. Grievance Appeal
   The complainant may only appeal the grievance determination of a Campus/Online
   Executive Director for the following reasons:

   • New evidence is available that was not available at the time of the grievance was submitted, and the said evidence may affect the outcome of the grievance determination.
   • The grievance determination was disproportionate to the findings.
   • The Campus/Online Executive Director had a conflict of interest, bias, or retaliatory behavior that affected the outcome.

   To appeal, the complainant must complete the University Grievance Appeal Form within ten (10) business days of receiving the determination. The link to the appeal form can be found at https://guides.rasmussen.edu/disputeresolutionpolicies. The University Grievance Officer will have thirty (30) business days from receipt of the appeal to either grant or deny the appeal, or to request additional information from the complainant. The decision of the University Grievance Officer is final.

   To appeal, the complainant must complete the University Grievance Appeal Form within ten (10) business days of receiving the determination. The link to the appeal form can be found at https://guides.rasmussen.edu/disputeresolutionpolicies. The University Grievance Officer will have thirty (30) business days from receipt of the appeal to either grant or deny the appeal, or to request additional information from the complainant. The decision of the University Grievance Officer is final.

A record of each grievance and grievance appeal determination, including its nature and disposition, shall be maintained for all programs by the University.