Recording Student Complaints Policy
Policy Statement
Manhattanville University is committed to providing a standard for addressing student complaints across all divisions of the University. This policy was developed to effectuate continuous improvement and to be in compliance with Middle States Commission on Higher Education standards.
Procedures for General Student Complaints
Manhattanville University and its employees strive to improve student services and welcome input regarding our policies and procedures. All student concerns or complaints should be written and directed to the appropriate departmental, division, or School office. This serves as an umbrella policy to cover any type of grievance that is not considered under a separately defined policy.
When a student has a complaint that is not covered by an existing University policy, they are encouraged to discuss the matter first with the parties involved. If the matter cannot be resolved informally at this level, then the student may file a written, formal complaint according to the following procedures.
A student complaint originating in any school or administrative unit is handled by the division chair, dean or director responsible for the unit in which the complaint originates. Therefore, the written formal complaint should be submitted to the responsible division chair, dean, or director within five business days of the failed attempt at an informal solution. The division chair, dean, or director should make a decision regarding the complaint within 10 business days of receiving the written complaint. A written appeal may be submitted within five business days either to the appropriate dean or vice president exercising jurisdiction of that unit that received the complaint. The dean or vice president will inform the student within 10 business days of their decision. The appeal decision is final.
Existing University Policies for Handling Student Complaints
The following is a non-exhaustive list of university policies and processes for handling student complaints:
Compliance and Enforcement
Violations of this policy will be handled in accordance with the procedures in the Employee Handbook. Violations of this Policy will be handled in accordance with the procedures in the Student Handbook.
Related Policies and References
This policy replaces the first version of this policy, which was enacted in July 2016.
Manhattanville University participates in federal student aid programs that are authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Participating institutions must be legally authorized to operate with the state in which it is located. Title 34 CFR §600.9 requires states to have a "process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution, including enforcing applicable State laws." Title 34 CFR §668.43(b) requires that institutions:
"make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution's accreditation and its State, Federal, or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student's complaint."
To comply with this regulation, Manhattanville University provides the following information to our prospective and current students. The processes described in this policy are established University policies and processes. This policy version is effective as of February 9, 2026 and is reviewed annually by the Office of the Provost.