Page 79 - Postgraduate Catalog 2024-25

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and students. There are occasions, however, when conflicts Students can access the service and share these concerns
arise which require resolution. Such conflicts are normally through: https://ss.adu.ac.ae/complain_student .
resolved informally and in good faith between individuals
and groups through conflict resolution processes.
To this end, Abu Dhabi University encourages informal Confidentiality
meetings between a grievant(s) and the respondent(s). Confidentiality will be upheld by all parties to the highest
Abu Dhabi University also encourages the involvement of degree possible at all stages of the grievance. This means
third parties; such as Student Council, Student Support that no issue regarding the grievance will be discussed with
Office personnel, and the appropriate Coordinator, Head any person who is not directly involved in the investigation.
of Department, or Dean, all of whom are expected to assist
with communication and mediation. A student may not submit a formal grievance in the
following circumstances:
In cases where the informal meetings prove unsuccessful
or unsatisfactory, the grievant has the right to file a formal • A grievance is against another student(s) - such
grievance that complies with the terms of this policy and grievances should be processed by the Code of
its procedures. Conduct.

Definitions • A grievance is against personnel decisions.
This policy uses the following definitions: • A grievance is against grades awarded in particular
courses or academic decisions regarding academic
Grievance: A request by a student for a formal investigation work unless there is an element of harassment and
of decisions or actions by a faculty or staff member of the discrimination involved in the claim.
University that are perceived to be wrong, mistaken, unjust,
discriminatory and in violation of the rights of the student. • A grievance is based on the same or similar
circumstances that are pending resolution or have
Grievant: The person(s) who submits the grievance. been resolved or are under adjudication and involve
the same student.
Faculty: Members of the University faculty including part-
time, full-time and non-regular faculty, such as visiting and • A grievance is against a University policy or procedures,
adjunct faculty. or a University employee is acting in compliance with
those policies/procedures.
Employee: A person officially employed by Abu Dhabi
University in any capacity. Implementation
Instructor: Any person employed by the University who The Head of Student Support Office or the designee will
teaches a class, including part- time, full- time and non- be responsible for the implementation of this policy. The
regular instructors such as visiting and adjunct instructors. implementation will comprise six phases:
Respondent: The person or persons cited in the grievance. 1. The Head of Student Support Office forwards and
Staff: Any non-teaching employee of the University, discusses the grievance with the Provost before
including students. forming a Student Grievance Committee (SGC). If
the Provost can reach a solution which satisfies
Student: Any person who is registered for classes at Abu the grievant, the grievance will be closed. Campus
Dhabi University. Directors play the role of the Provost in their campuses.
Students’ Complaints and Suggestions 2. The SGC will comprise:
Abu Dhabi University encourages feedback with regard to a. The Provost, or designee, who will serve as a
the services that are provided to its student and believes Chair.
that everyone must share concerns, suggestions, and b. The Dean of a college other than the
complaints freely to ensure the University continues concerned college (to be named by the
to adopt the best possible standard of both academic Provost), who will serve as a member.
and administrative services. Besides that, the University
provides a fair investigation of a received complaint. c. One student, representing the Student
Council will serve as a member. Decisions will
Student complaints and suggestions are shared with be made on the basis of formal votes, in all cases.
Department heads and College Deans to look into them
and provide corrective actions within 5 working days. 3. Final decision/recommendations will be shared with

Abu Dhabi University | Postgraduate Catalog 2024 - 2025