This Grievance Procedure will be used to process a written grievance or complaint concerning any other grievance, not covered by the above Protected Class Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures and Anti Bullying Policies that a Future Professional feels have been left unresolved against a Future Professional, employee, or third-party. The grievance or complaint will be referred to the School Director and/or School Owner. The following grievance procedures shall be used to address a grievance filed by Future Professionals for complaints filed on their behalf against employees, other Future Professionals, or third parties. This process will be used to investigate reports under the Anti-Hazing Policy. For the Anti-Hazing Policy specifically, the School may initiate the process without a Future Professional grievance if may also be used by the School independently. A copy of the Grievance form may be obtained from the School’s Director.
In order to facilitate the investigation, the complaint must include details of the incident or incidents, dates and times, names of the individuals involved, and names of any witnesses. A complaint should be filed within seven (7) days from the date of the alleged incident to allow the school to take timely and appropriate action. The complaint once received will be maintained in the Director’s office, which has limited staff access. The school Director has the responsibility of investigating the complaint allegations; however, if it is in the best interest of the parties involved the school may choose to designate another individual to follow this process.
The time necessary to conduct an investigation will vary based on the complexity of the allegation(s) but will generally be completed within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the complaint. If a Grieving Party requests confidentiality, the school will take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the Grievance consistent with the request. If a complainant insists that his or her name or other identifiable information not be disclosed to the party alleged to have engaged in the behavior, the school will inform the Grieving Party that its ability to respond may be limited. In circumstances involving Hazing, the School may be required to take action that discloses identifiable information based on the reported information.
All complaints involving a student, employee, contract worker, vendor, customer service guest, or other person who does business with the school will be referred to the school’s Grievance Coordinator. The Grievance Coordinator will begin the complaint process outlined in this policy.
Investigation of Allegations
The school will investigate all complaints received. The school’s grievance procedures are designed to ensure that the complaint process is free from conflicts of interest.
- During the grievance process each individual is considered innocent of the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process. The school may remove an individual from the school on an emergency basis, provided that the school undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis, and determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations justifies removal and provides the individual with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal. In the case of a school employee, the school may place the individual on mandatory administrative leave.
- All provisions, rules, or practices that are a part of the school’s grievance process for handling formal complaints apply equally to both parties.
- The school will make appropriate referrals to law enforcement, if necessary. The school will also notify complainants of the right to proceed with a criminal investigation, while the school conducts its own investigation simultaneously. The school will not wait for the criminal investigation or criminal proceeding to be concluded before beginning its own investigation and acting on the evidence obtained.
- The school will dismiss allegations of conduct that do not meet the school’s written policies.
- The school will provide equal opportunity for the parties involved to present facts, documentation, and witnesses. Any witnesses listed will be interviewed by the school Grievance Coordinator.
- The school may, in their discretion, dismiss a complaint or allegations therein if the complainant informs the Grievance Coordinator in writing that the complainant desires to withdraw the formal complaint or allegations therein, if the individual is no longer enrolled or employed by the school, or if specific circumstances prevent the school from gathering sufficient evidence to reach a determination. If the complaint is dismissed, the school will give the parties written notice of a dismissal of the complaint and the reasons why.
- The school may, in their discretion, consolidate complaints where the allegations arise out of the same facts or circumstances, whether it is complaints against multiple individuals.
- Upon conclusion of the investigation into the allegations, the Grievance Coordinator will provide a written determination to all parties, as to the final decision and any actions taken.
Students should follow the above process; however, the student may, at any time, file a complaint with the school’s accrediting agency, or the U.S. Department of Education.
Complaints can be filed with TDLR at www.tdlr.texas.gov:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 475-2871
To file a complaint with the school’s accrediting agency, the Council on Occupational Education, please follow the directions below:
COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION (COE)
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350 (770)
396-3898
Students will not be subject to retribution upon filing a complaint.