CWRU Graduate School Grievance Procedure
ӰƵ admits students of any race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights and privileges, Programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national or ethnic origin in administering its educational policies, admission policies, employment, promotion and compensation policies, scholarship, and loan Programs, and athletic or other University-administered Programs.
ӰƵ does not discriminate in recruitment, employment, or policy administration on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, or status as a disabled veteran or other protected veteran under US Federal Law. In addition, the University expects all employees, students, vendors, and associates to participate in its Program of nondiscrimination. The University intends to maintain an environment free of sexual harassment and will not tolerate any form of harassment of employees or students. Retaliation against persons raising concerns about sexual harassment or harassment of any kind is prohibited and will constitute separate grounds for disciplinary action up to including discharge or expulsion from the University.
Compliance
The Office of Equity coordinates compliance with Title III (age), Title VI (race), Title IX (sex), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (disability), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (disability) for the University.
Filing a Discrimination Complaint
A student with a complaint on the basis of race, sex, age, or disability may contact either the Office of Equity, (216.368.3066) or the University Office of Student Affairs (216.368.2020). The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, or his/her designee, will investigate student complaints in collaboration with the Office of Equity. In resolving such discrimination complaints, the University will utilize the Grievance Process and/or the Disciplinary Process.
Community Concerns Reporting System/Bias Reporting System
The goal of the Community Concerns Reporting System at CWRU is to help educate and promote an inclusive community by supporting students through a clear and more streamlined process for reporting incidents perceived as mistreatment, cultural/ethnic insensitivity and bias. This is a reporting system entirely for students to report perceived mistreatment stemming from one's ethnic identity, gender identity/expression, skin color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
Harassment Policies
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct
The University Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures can be found on the University’s website.
Mistreatment
Mistreatment is disrespectful behavior by a teacher that interferes with the learning process. Examples of mistreatment include public belittlement or humiliation, threats of physical harm or punishment, inappropriate requests to do personal services (shopping or babysitting), sexual harassment, and discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Neglect includes situations in which a student is openly ignored, is excluded from important decisions, or is made to feel “invisible.” Neglect is different from overt mistreatment but can still interfere with the learning process.
- Harassment, mistreatment, and neglect policies are discussed at new student orientation and again prior to starting clinical rotations. Students who feel they have experienced, or witnessed someone else experience, harassment, mistreatment, or neglect during the conduct of the curriculum, and are uncomfortable addressing this directly with the colleague involved are urged to discuss their concerns as soon as possible through one of the options detailed below.
- Students in any phase of the Program are strongly encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of their advisor, Director of Didactic Curriculum, Director of Clinical Curriculum, or the PA Program Director. PA students may choose to speak to another PA faculty member if they feel more comfortable doing so.
- Alternatively, students have the option of contacting the Vice Dean for Medical Education, Dr. Lia Logio, the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Students, Dr. Monica Yepes-Rios, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Students, Mr. Phillip Rowland-Seymour, the Director of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, Mrs. Tina Lining, the Administrative Director of the PA Program, Ms. Nital Subhas, or Ms. Shirley Mosley, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at the University. The University Student Affairs office is not part of the medical school administration. Students can email Ms. Mosley or call the office at 216.368.2020 to make an appointment.
- Online Reporting: The PA Program uses an online “Mistreatment or Neglect” reporting mechanism, by which students can report experiences of harassment, mistreatment, or neglect. These reports are confidential but not anonymous and will be reviewed by the appropriate SOM Student `Affairs dean and may be referred to the Mistreatment Working Group for further investigation. The form is available online: .
What Happens When a Report is Made?
All reports are handled confidentially, and wherever possible, de-identified information about the event is used. The PA Program and School of Medicine are obligated to follow federal guidelines (Title IX) for reporting sexual misconduct. For other situations, the reporting student, if known, will be contacted by a member of the Office of Student Affair, basic information will be verified, and additional information will be requested, if needed. If appropriate, the report is redirected to the University (i.e., Title IX). Depending on the judged severity of the event and timing related to grades and evaluation, the Office of Student Affairs may determine if any of the following is appropriate:
- Report is shared with the professional involved
- Report is shared with course director, Director of Didactic Curriculum, Director of Clinical Curriculum and/or Program Director
- Report is shared with the professional’s supervisor
- Report is shared with the department chair (in the case of a faculty member)
- Report is shared with Dean
- Report is shared with Office of Faculty Affairs
When deemed appropriate, reported professionals and/or their supervisors are asked to create an action plan that is shared with the Office of Student Affairs.
Unprofessional behavior with learners that is severe or repeats despite feedback will result in removal from the teaching program or, for faculty members, termination for just cause as provided in the CWRU Faculty Handbook.