Anti Discrimination Policy and Procedure for the Resolution of Student Discrimination Complaints
Statement of Policy
Excelsior University is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is free from illegal discrimination based upon an individual’s race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, marital status, familial status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or military or veteran status. Illegal discrimination in any form will not be tolerated at Excelsior.
Procedure
In the event a student believes that they have experienced illegal discrimination they can report the matter following the steps outlined below. In view of the sensitivity of such charges, all University officials investigating discrimination complaints will exercise care to observe and protect the dignity, rights and privacy, and interests of all parties involved to the maximum extent possible.
STEP 1: Office of the Provost
If a student believes they have experienced unlawful discrimination, the student should promptly file a written report of the incident with the Office of the Provost.
- Within 10 calendar days of receipt of such report, the provost or their designee will conduct a confidential investigation to determine whether the alleged conduct has in fact occurred and will attempt to resolve the issue in a satisfactory way with all individuals involved.
- As part of the investigative process, the provost may consult with the Advisory Ad-hoc Committee on Student Discrimination. This ad-hoc committee includes the following:
a. Dean of the school where the alleged incident took place or their designee from within the same school
b. Dean of the school where the alleged incident took place or his/her designee from within the same school
c. Disability services coordinator or their designee - The provost shall issue a written report of the results of their investigation to the student initiating the complaint within 30 calendar days of such complaint.
STEP 2: President of Excelsior
If, in the student's opinion, the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved by the provost, the student may file a written appeal to the president of Excelsior or their designee within 30 calendar days of the provost's written report to the student who initiated the complaint. The president will review the findings from the provost's investigation and render a written finding/determination within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal from the student.
Federal/State Discrimination Complaints
Excelsior University encourages students to use the Excelsior University Anti-Discrimination Policy and the Procedure for Resolution of Student Discrimination Complaints to resolve discrimination concerns. However, students also have a right to file discrimination complaints directly with the United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights or the New York State Division of Human Rights.
Notification to Accrediting Agency
If the student has exhausted all options to resolve a complaint within Excelsior, the student may file a written complaint with Excelsior's accrediting agency, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Complaints to the Commission must be in writing and signed by the complainant. They should be sent to the president of the Commission at the following address:
President
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680
Notification to State Authorities
A student may also file a complaint with the appropriate state agency within the state in which the student resides. To access contact information for the appropriate state agency go to the Consumer Complaint Process page.
