ARC-PA Student Policy 15, Student Rights, Harassment and Grievances

Student Rights, Harassment and Grievances

Policy Number: S15 | Issue Date: 01/06/2019 | Date Approved: 12/15/2025

Responsible Party: Program Director
Minimum Review Frequency: Every 3 years
Approving Body: Program Faculty

ARC-PA Associated Standards 6th Edition

A1.02 The sponsoring institution is responsible for:

defining, publishing, making readily available, and consistently applying to students its policies and procedures for processing student allegations of harassment and mistreatment

A1.04 The sponsoring institution provides academic support and student services to PA students that are equivalent to those services provided to other comparable students of the institution.

A3.01 Program policies are published, readily available, and consistently applied to all students, principle faculty, staff, and the program director regardless of location.

A3.14 The program publishes, makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students:

policies and procedures for student grievances
policies and procedures for student appeals

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear expectations on requirements for student conduct and procedures for reporting related to addressing issues related to student mistreatment: discrimination, sexual harassment, unprofessional relationships, abuse of authority, and abusive and/or intimidating behaviors. Policy and procedures for student grievances and appeals are also covered in this policy.

Student Rights and Responsibility (A1.02g, A1.04)

Complete information regarding UM-Flint’s Student Rights and Responsibilities appears on the UM-Flint Catalog under Policies and Other Content.

Student Code of Conduct (A3.14g)

The primary purpose of the Code of Student Conduct (the Code) is to assist the University of Michigan-Flint in providing an environment that supports the educational process and the well-being and safety of the campus community. As members of the University community, students are expected to uphold its values by maintaining a high standard of conduct. Such values include, but are not limited to, civility, dignity, diversity, education, equality, freedom, honesty, and safety. The Code is intended to define conduct expectations, to identify sanctions that may be imposed when misconduct occurs, and to ensure that students are treated with fundamental fairness and personal dignity. Additional details about student rights are included in section V of the University’s Student Code of Conduct policy.

Discrimination (A1.02g, A1.04, A3.14g5)

The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Students have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity, free from discrimination. The University of Michigan-Flint is committed to creating and maintaining a working and learning environment that embraces individual differences and is supported through the Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX (ECRT) Office to ensure that all staff, faculty and students have equal access and opportunities, and receive the support needed to be successful. The ECRT Office addresses and investigates matters involving discrimination, discriminatory harassment and sexual misconduct on behalf of the university when a complaint is filed against a student, faculty member, staff member or third party. Reports may be made by any person who has experienced such conduct while participating in a university program or activity or in related interactions with members of the university community. To file a complaint with the university, please contact the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX office or complete the online reporting form. A report can also be made with the Compliance Hotline.

Mistreatment (A1.02g)

Mistreatment is any behavior that disrespects the dignity of others or interferes with the learning process. It can be intentional or unintentional. Examples of mistreatment include:

Discrimination: Denying opportunities based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected categories
Humiliation: Publicly belittling or humiliating someone
Physical or psychological punishment: Threatening or actually inflicting physical harm
Unfair treatment: Intentionally singling out someone for arbitrary treatment
Exploitation: Requiring that someone perform personal errands or exploiting them in any other way

The University of Michigan-Flint PA Program is committed to assuring a safe and supportive learning environment that reflects the Institution’s values of professionalism, respect for an individual’s rights, appreciation of differences, altruism, compassion and integrity. Mistreatment of students is unacceptable and not tolerated. PA students who experience or observe other students experiencing possible mistreatment are encouraged to attempt to resolve the matter directly with the alleged offender if possible. Options also include a discussion with someone in a position to understand the context and address necessary action (faculty advisor or PA Program Director). Students can report mistreatment to the Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX Office for issues such as discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. For other campus climate concerns or non-academic issues, they can contact the Office of the Dean of Students or the CARE Team. In emergencies, or if the mistreatment involves a crime, students can contact the Department of Public Safety.

Student Sexual Harassment / Misconduct Policy (A1.02g)

UM-Flint Policy and Procedures on Student Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct

The University of Michigan-Flint values civility, dignity, diversity, education, equality, freedom, honesty, and safety, as described in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and is firmly committed to maintaining a campus environment free from sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of sex-based discrimination (collectively referred to in this policy as sexual misconduct).

This policy provides information regarding the University’s prevention and education efforts related to student sexual misconduct, as well as how the University will proceed once it is made aware of allegations of student sexual misconduct in keeping with our institutional values and to meet our legal obligations under Title IX and other relevant laws.

The University is committed to providing a campus environment free from sexual misconduct. Therefore, if the University finds that it has enough information or becomes aware of possible incidents of sexual misconduct, it may proceed with the investigation even if no formal complaint has been filed or the individuals involved are unwilling to cooperate.

The University encourages the reporting of sexual misconduct to University officials. Reports of sexual misconduct to University officials may be made by:

A person who believes they experienced sexual misconduct; or
A person who has information that sexual misconduct may have been committed by a University student or a participant in a University program.

Reporting

To report an emergency, dial 911

Phone: To report an incident by phone call 810-237-6517
This number is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Incidents reported outside of business hours will be received the following business day.

In-person: Please visit the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX office
Northbank Center
432 N. Saginaw St. Suite 500
Flint, MI 48502-6517
810-237-6517 or direct to Kirstie Stroble 810-766-6882

Email: stroblek@umich.edu or UMFlintECRT@umich.edu

Confidential Reporting available through Counseling and Psychological Services
264 University Center
303 E. Kearsley St.
Flint, MI 48502-1950
810-762-3456

The University strongly encourages any student who believes they have experienced domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to make a criminal report with law enforcement. If a student is uncertain where the incident occurred or which agency to contact, the UM-Flint Department of Public Safety is available to help determine which agency has jurisdiction and will help the student report the matter to that agency if the student wishes.

Department of Public Safety
103 Hubbard Building
602 Mill St.
Flint, MI 48503
810-762-3333 (operated 24 hours/7 days a week)

UM-Flint Department of Public Safety – Special Victims Services

Faculty-Student Relationships (Unprofessional Relationship) (A1.04, A1.02g, A3.14g)

Guidelines for faculty/student relationships and reporting violations (SPG 601.22)

Faculty Members and Learners

1. Prohibited Faculty and Student Relationships

The provisions apply regardless of delivery mechanism for the instructional content, or the form of communication (e.g., in person, online, mobile, and hybrid methods).

a. Faculty and Graduate and Professional Students

a. Covered Relationships between a Faculty Member and a graduate or professional student over whom the Faculty Member currently has, has had, or might reasonably be expected to have direct or indirect Academic or Supervisory Authority are prohibited.
b. Additionally, Covered Relationships between a Faculty Member and a graduate or professional student who is in the same discipline or academic program in which the Faculty Member is appointed or teaches, regardless of Academic or Supervisory Authority, are prohibited.

Employee – Student Relationships (Unprofessional Relationship) (A1.02g, A3.14g)

When an employee’s professional responsibilities make it possible for him or her to influence the status or circumstances of a student and when a romantic and/or sexual relationship occurs or has occurred between the employee and the student, an inherent conflict of interest arises. When a conflict of this nature occurs, the employee must disclose the relationship so that a resolution to the conflict can be sought.

For guidelines for employee/student relationships see SPG 601.22-1

Abuse of Authority (A1.02g, A3.14g)

Any misuse of power or position by faculty, staff, or administrators that negatively impacts students’ academic progress, well-being, or educational rights represents an abuse of authority. This includes, but is not limited to: inconsistently applied grading practices, discriminatory treatment, inappropriate demands outside of academic requirements, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. Students who experience or witness abuse of authority should report the incident to the appropriate office as outlined in the “Reporting Incident” section of this document. Students may also seek support from the PA Program Director and through the Counseling & Psychological Service office throughout this process.

The University of Michigan-Flint prohibits retaliation against students who report abuse of authority in good faith. Students who experience retaliation should report it immediately through the same channels. The university will take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual found to have abused authority or retaliation, up to and including termination of employment or academic dismissal.

Harassment (A1.02g, A3.14g)

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history). Harassment is conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) do not meet the definition of harassment.

All reports of discrimination and harassment are investigated by ECRT – for students, faculty and staff. Formal complaints must be filed with the ECRT Office.

Grievances and Appeals (A1.04, A1.02g, A3.14g, A3.14h)

To begin, all school/college grievance procedures require initial consultation with the individual instructor. It is recommended that this initial step is completed in a timely manner to help ensure a quick resolution. For appeals related to matters of academic performance and professional conduct within the PA program, please refer to PA program policies S7A and S7B (Academic and Professional Standards Performance and Progression). If a resolution cannot be reached, please refer to the appeal procedure for the College of Health Sciences. Written policies and procedures related to academic performance, clinical competency, and ethical standards should follow procedures established by the PA program prior to contacting the College of Health Sciences Student Appeals Committee. Students in the College of Health Sciences who believe they have been unfairly treated may appeal to the College of Health Sciences Student Appeals Committee.

For conflicts involving a faculty member, all such procedures require initial consultation with the individual instructor. If the conflict is of a discriminatory or sexually harassing nature, the student should consult with the Office of Human Resources. Formal complaints must be filed with the ECRT Office.

Reporting Incidents (A1.02g, A1.04, A3.14g)

The UM-Flint incident reporting form may be used by anyone, whether members of the UM-Flint community or not, to report any behaviors of concern or policy violations involving UM-Flint students. These behaviors of concern and/or policy violations should be reported whether they occur inside or outside of the classroom setting, on or off-campus.

This form is NOT for Emergency Services or 911: If this is an emergency that involves an imminent risk of harm to self or others, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 810-762-3333 or by dialing 911 prior to filling out this form.

Reportable behaviors may include:

Alleged Violations of the Code of Student Conduct
Alleged violations of Housing and Residential Life’s Community Living Standards
Alleged violations of any other university policies, rules, or regulations
Housing & Residential Life Fire Alarm Report for fire alarm incidents in the residence halls, including fire alarm activations, smoke detectors, panel trouble alarms, and any evidence of fire or potential arson.

Incidents involving Title IX / Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct are addressed by and should be reported to the Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX (ECRT) Office.

Situations and behaviors that may not constitute a policy violation, but are concerning, worrisome, involve health/injuries, and/or have the potential to impede a student’s success should be submitted using the CARE Team Student of Concern Referral .

Please note: reports are reviewed during normal business hours and are not consistently monitored after hours, on weekends, or during official University holidays. For assistance during business hours, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 810-762-5728 or by email at Flint.DeanofStudents@umich.edu

Campus Climate Support (A1.04)

If the alleged mistreatment includes actions that discriminate, stereotype, exclude, harass or harm anyone in our community based on their identity (such as race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, (dis)ability status, political perspective and other variables related to life experience), the student may submit a Climate Concern. Concerns may stem from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, or stereotypes. Behaviors may be intentional or unintentional. Anyone who feels they have been affected by a campus climate concern is encouraged to make a report to Campus Climate Support (CCS) utilizing this form. CCS is not a disciplinary body, cannot impose sanctions, and does not require participation in any aspect of CCS’s work. CCS’s purpose is to support students, faculty, or staff, and connect them to resources. A longer-term desired outcome is that over time these efforts contribute to the maintenance of respect and understanding among members of the University community, improving the campus climate for all its constituents.

Conflict Resolution Resources (A1.04)

Conflict is a natural part of the world around us and we expect that from time to time community members will encounter conflict in many different ways. The Office of the Dean of Students provides Conflict Resolution services to students in order to aid them in effective conflict resolution processes and develop students’ abilities to handle conflict effectively. These services provide students an avenue to address and resolve interpersonal conflicts which may include but are not limited to conflicts between members of a student organization, roommates, students within a class or study group, faculty/staff and students, and friends.

Approval History

12/15/2025: Program Faculty
12/11/2024: Program Faculty
11/18/2024: Program Faculty
07/05/2023: Program Faculty
08/31/2021: Program Faculty
10/30/2020: Program Faculty

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