Student Complaints

Rocky Vista University upholds high standards and expectations of professional conduct for all its community members. As with any institution that educates and employs a large number and variety of people, we may sometimes be challenged by conflicts, lack of clarity in policies, or problems that may arise from misunderstandings.

RVU encourages students and employees to first make attempts to resolve conflicts with the person with whom there is a dispute. When a desirable outcome cannot be reached by both parties, available options to students and employees are described within the Student Complaints Guide (PDF) located here. 

Retaliation or retribution of any kind from any student or employee against a complainant or other involved parties is strictly prohibited. 

Please refer to the Students Complaints Policy regarding accreditation standards.

Student Complaints Policy, Categories and Resources

Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy

Accreditation Standard Complaint Policy

Title VI Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics

EthicsPoint Reporting Policy

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing Complaint Form

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct and Non Discrimination Policy 

Informal Complaints

Complaints vary in severity and complexity and RVU encourages individuals to resolve concerns and misunderstandings with one another whenever possible. When interpersonal resolution is not feasible, individuals have the right to file an informal complaint with Student Affairs in order to seek agreement and shared understanding. Not every complaint should be addressed in the same way, and you should be provided both informal and formal ways to raise a complaint to best suit the circumstances of the issue. Informal procedures are for quick problem-solving rather than investigating and substantiating claims. They seek agreement and shared understanding of how to avoid problems in the future. Informal complaints are most appropriate in cases where the allegations are less serious, or the problem is based on miscommunication or a misunderstanding.

Formal Complaints

RVU policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected-class identity. Unfair treatment or intimidating behavior aimed at any university community member based on an aspect of identity protected by RVU policy is unacceptable and reportable to the University. For serious issues such as policy violations, breach of ethics, or discrimination or harassment based on protected-class identity, you have the right to make a formal complaint. In the case that an informal solution does not result in a positive outcome, you also have the right to make a formal complaint. Formal procedures are for substantiating a complaint with evidence or formally bringing the people involved together to try to reach an agreement.

Title IX and/or Sexual Misconduct complaints should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator Laura Dement. Anonymous Title IX complaints may be submitted via Ethics Point.

Title VI and/or discrimination complaints should be formally filed in Ethics Point as directed below.

If a complaint is serious and cannot be resolved at the level it occurred or if anonymity is important, you may: