Student Complaints

Maranatha is committed to providing a positive learning environment for all of its students.  Most students will never have a need to file a complaint against another student, a staff member, or the University in general.  However, if you believe you have a reason to file a complaint, Maranatha has established procedures for addressing these complaints in a fair and equitable manner.

Please contact the Student Life Office (920-206-2332) for advice and guidance related to complaints.

Complaints Related to Grades or Course Matters

  1. Address the complaint with the course instructor.
  2. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, or you do not feel comfortable in confronting the instructor, take the complaint to the chair of the appropriate academic department.
  3. If the resolution is not achieved there, you may then bring the matter to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Complaints Related to Staff

  1. Address the complaint with the individual involved.
  2. If the resolution is not achieved there, or you do not feel comfortable in confronting the staff member, you may bring the matter to the Student Life Office (920-206-2332) or Human Resources (920-206-2305) for assistance.

Complaints Related to Protected Status

All complaints related to discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, or physical disability should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator (Room 212A in the Cedarholm Library, 920-206-2305).

Complaints Related to Behaviors of Other Students

  • For behavior that is life-threatening, immediately call 911.
  • For behavior that raises any safety concerns, immediately call Campus Security (920-285-9316).
  • Other complaints regarding behavior by students, should be referred to the appropriate dorm supervisor, if applicable, or the Student Life Office (920-206-2332).

Formal Complaints

A Formal Complaint is designed to document and resolve problems for students or others who suffer mistreatment or have unresolved difficulties with a university office or any person(s) employed by Maranatha (on-campus student employer, faculty member, on-campus supervisor, coach, etc.) that cannot be resolved through informal means. A Formal Complaint may also be used to document an informal resolution if desired, but is not necessary. Formal Complaints are to be submitted by persons who are directly involved in the situation or have personal knowledge of the situation. The Formal Complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate office (office supervisor, department head, Athletic Director, Dean, etc.) for investigation and resolution no matter who initially receives the documented complaint.

Submit a Formal Complaint

Available Assistance 

Students are invited to come to the Student Life Office for counsel or questions in regards to formulating a Formal Complaint.

A Formal Complaint includes:

  • Dates
  • Locations
  • Context, and as much detailed information as can be remembered
  • Any information regarding informal attempts to resolve the issue
  • Signature of the person(s) submitting the complaint is required

Appeal

If the complainant does not agree with the resolution of the complaint, the complaint resolution can be appealed to the Executive Council (EC).  EC may request a written appeal and/or a personal appearance in its sole discretion. Upon review of all facts and circumstances and submissions from all relevant parties, EC will make a final determination which may involve the reduction of disciplinary action or the imposition of additional sanctions or other remedies or policy exceptions it determines to be appropriate.

Retaliation

All Maranatha students and employees have a right to be free from reprisal or threat of retaliation as a result of filing a Formal Complaint in good faith or truthfully participating in the investigation of a complaint. Any person who feels that they are the subject of an act of improper retaliation may make a Formal Complaint.

Confidentiality

Every effort will be taken to maintain that all information (parties involved, context, resolution, etc.) in the complaint remain confidential. Complaint information may be shared with necessary persons or with outside parties to fulfill any requirement imposed by law. It is understood that any person participating in the complaint process must maintain confidentiality. Understanding that confidentiality benefits all parties involved, all parties need to be aware of the following guidelines:

  • Where a complaint relates to the actions of a member of Maranatha’s faculty, staff, or student, the person against whom the complaint is made will be fully informed of the complaint.
  • The proper investigation of a complaint may require the disclosure of the identity of the submitter to the person(s) accused or to third parties.
  • The President’s Office keeps a log of all Formal Complaints to comply with federal law.

In resolving difficulties students should first attempt to resolve difficulties through informal measures speaking directly to the party causing the problem (if appropriate), and then using the above-stated internal complaint procedures if the personal resolution has not been successful. Any student or other party whose complaint has not been resolved through the use of Maranatha’s internal complaint procedure may notify Maranatha’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. To file a complaint against Maranatha’s accreditation or Maranatha, please contact either DOJ or the DATCP. For more information about Maranatha’s accrediting agencies, please see the Maranatha Accreditation Webpage.

Also see Conflicts with Faculty