Franciscan University takes seriously the challenge to love each member of the Franciscan University family as a brother or sister in Christ created in the image and likeness of the Creator. Because of the inherent dignity of each person, the University community strives to love, respect, and serve each student we encounter and provide them with every opportunity to grow and succeed personally and professionally.

In addition to our fraternal commitment to our students, Franciscan University participates in Federal student aid programs, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Education, which has amended the Higher Education Act (HEA) authorizing the “Program Integrity Rule.” This amendment provides, among other things, regulations associated with the federal student financial aid program which require colleges or universities that are authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more states to ensure access to a complaint process (see 34 CFR 668.43(b)) that will permit student consumers to address the following:

• Alleged violation of State consumer protection laws that include, but are not limited to, fraud and false advertising;
• Alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
• Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

Filing Complaints at Franciscan University of Steubenville

From time to time, a student may feel it necessary to bring a concern or complaint to the attention of the administration. If feasible, we recommend that the student first bring it to the attention of the University employee who is most closely involved with the concern or complaint to affect a resolution. If the student does not receive satisfaction or determines that this step is not practical, he or she may bring concerns or complaints to any vice president, any executive director, or the president of the University.

A concern or complaint may be submitted either formally or informally as follows:

• Informal
  For informational purposes only. This can be done either verbally or in writing. If the concern or complaint is in writing, it may be submitted anonymously or signed. However, the person to whom the concern or complaint is directed is not required to respond to the student regarding action or lack of action taken.
• Formal
  For intended action. This concern or complaint must be in writing, signed, and addressed to a specific member of the University President’s Cabinet. The concern or complaint must be clearly defined. Once a formal concern or complaint is received, it is the responsibility of the President’s Cabinet member to coordinate a response to the person lodging the complaint or concern.

The University does not guarantee that the student who lodges the concern or complaint will be satisfied with the cabinet member’s action. However, we do assure students that a good faith effort will be put forth by the cabinet member to reach a satisfactory resolution of the concern or complaint.

The University is required to keep a log of student complaints on file and make it available to its accreditor, Higher Learning Commission; however, individual identifies are shielded to assure anonymity.

To both serve the needs of our students and comply with this regulation, Franciscan University provides the following information to our prospective and current students.

Filing Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct/Violence Complaints at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Students who believe they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct/violence on or off campus may file the complaint with the University Title IX Coordinator, Beth Gaughan. She can be contacted at 740-283-4338 or [email protected] or in Assisi Heights 1517.

Filing Complaints Outside of Franciscan University of Steubenville

If a complaint has not been properly addressed within Franciscan University of Steubenville, it may be filed with other organizations at the national, state, or regional levels.

National

For information on filing a complaint in regard to civil rights violations or discrimination, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights website.

State of Ohio

Franciscan University of Steubenville is authorized by name in statute as an approved institution of higher education in the State of Ohio. Franciscan University of Steubenville students and prospective students with complaints may contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education or visit their website for information regarding the complaint resolution process available from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Other States

Prospective students and Franciscan University of Steubenville students who attend classes online and do not reside in Ohio may contact your state’s appropriate authority for information about complaint resolution processes.

Institutional and Academic Program Accreditors

Franciscan University of Steubenville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Contact HLC at [email protected] or visit their website for information on filing a complaint in regard to academics at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and the Post Graduate Certificate in APRN programs are accredited by the Council on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Contact CCNE or visit their website for information on filing a complaint with regard to the nursing programs at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Contact CAEP or visit their website for information on filing a complaint in regard to teacher education programs at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Contact CSWE or visit their website for information on filing a complaint in regard to the social work program at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Educational Programs (CACREP). Contact CACREP or visit their website for information on filing a complaint in regard to the clinical mental health counseling program at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The business education program is accredited by the Internation Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Contact IACBE or visit their website for information on filing a complaint in regard to the business education program at Franciscan University of Steubenville.