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Student Complaint and Grievance Policy

At CSU, we know that conflicts, disagreements, frustrations and hurts will happen whenever people live together in community. However, the Bible has a lot to say about how we are to respond when things like that occur.

  • If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people (Rom 12:18).
  • I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:1-3).

Recommended Steps to Seek Resolution

Looking for answers to a question or need?

First, seek information on your own.
  • University Website. Do you know the office or department that is responsible for your issue? Check the website directory to see if you can find the answer to your question or identify a contact person. CSU Directory
  • Student Handbook. Consult the Student handbook to see if you can find the answer to your issue there. The Student Handbook addresses conduct and living in community-related issues.  The CSU Community Commitment contains answers to many questions about being a part of the Clarks Summit University community. CSU Student Handbooks
  • University Catalogs. For academic issues, check the catalog for the current year. CSU Catalogs
Second, seek information from a staff member.
  • Residential undergraduate students. Start with your resident assistant or resident director.  You can also contact the Office for Student Development (OSD) at 570.585.9180 or osd@ClarksSummitU.edu.
  • Online undergraduate and graduate students. Contact your academic advisor who can answer most of your questions or direct you to someone who can.

As always, the administrative assistant for OSD or one of the OSD deans are always willing to help you with your needs.

Have a conflict or concern that needs to be addressed?

Follow these steps to resolve the issue.
  • Gather information, and consider all aspects of the situation. Pray for clear thinking, understanding, wisdom and humility as you pursue resolution of the issue. Meditate on Scriptures that will prepare you for whatever dialogues may occur (Prov 3:5; Phil 4:6; Col 3:12; Phil 2:3-8; Jas 1:5 and 3:17; Prov 3:13-18; Mic 6:8; 1 Cor 10:31).
  • Seek the advice and assistance of a spiritually mature person who can advise you and who can wisely help you think through how to resolve the issue biblically (Prov 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20 and 24:5-6). Ultimately, check all counsel against the Word of God to ensure that it is truly biblical and not only someone’s opinion (even if they are greatly respected).
  • Talking with friends who are not involved and who can’t help with the solution is called gossip. The Bible is clear: gossip is a sinful way to deal with any problem (Prov. 11:3, 16:28, 18:8, 20:19, 26:20; 2 Cor 12:20; 1 Tim 5:13; 2 Thes 3:11).
  • Seek resolution, as much as possible, directly through the person involved in the problem and the solution. If that is not feasible, go to that person’s direct supervisor (1 Cor 14:40; Heb 13:17; Rom 13:1; 1 Pet 2:13). If the matter is still unresolved after seeking resolution directly, go to that person’s direct supervisor.
The main principle in all matters: If the issue or concern is not resolved, take it to the next level.

Use the appropriate appeal or grievance processes as necessary to achieve justice, with the ultimate goal of glorifying God and accomplishing His purposes throughout (1 Cor 10:31; Mic 6:8; Col 3:22-25; Ps 51:10; 2 Tim 2:15; Phil.2:12-13).

What to do if additional assistance is needed.

The university strongly encourages student complaints to be resolved according to the process outlined above. When that does not resolve the issue, please fill out the CSU Student Complaint and Grievance Submission Form, and the appropriate CSU staff member will seek to address the complaint or grievance.

Difference between complaint and grievance
  • Student complaints are matters that students feel school officials need to know so they can be resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.
  • Student grievances seek prompt resolution of procedures and processes issues including, but not limited to, academic, financial and disciplinary issues.
Policy information
  • The CSU Student Complaint and Grievance Policy attempts to ensure that the student is directed to the proper process depending on the different types of potential issues that can arise in the university context.
  • The scope of this policy is limited to institutional grievances as reported by a student towards the actions or decisions of employees of CSU that are not consistent with established policy or practice.
  • Actions of non-university employees are not covered under this policy.
  • Students are not permitted to file a grievance on behalf of other students or on behalf of a group of students.
  • CSU strongly encourages communicating directly with the person(s) involved as a first attempt to resolve problems and grievances before beginning a formal process.
  • When informal processes have not resolved the issue, then the CSU Student Complaint and Grievance Submission Form should be filled out so that the appropriate school personnel can help resolve the issue.

Contact the Office for Student Development

Clarks Summit University
Office for Student Development
538 Venard Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411

osd@ClarksSummitU.edu
570.585.9180

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