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14.2 Complaints from Individuals or Agencies Outside the University

14.2 Complaints from Individuals or Agencies Outside the University

Complaints about the SON, its students, its faculty, and/or its staff are always taken seriously. In efforts to resolve complaints, the SON handles all complaint procedures under the provisions of maintaining a confidential approach, while maintaining compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.   

  

Complaint Procedures   

  1. The complainant should contact and discuss his/her concerns with the person(s) who are directly responsible, in order to resolve the issue.  

  2. If the complaint cannot be resolved in a satisfactory manner, the complainant is invited to contact the Dean.

  3. The Dean will request a written grievance to be submitted in order to consider the complaint as a formal complaint, and to attempt to bring the issue to satisfactory resolution.  

  4. All complaints will be fully investigated by the Dean and appropriate University administration. 

  5. Information regarding outcomes following the investigation will be shared with all persons/agencies who, under the provisions of FERPA and HIPAA regulations, have the need to be informed. Information may or may not be allowed under FERPA and HIPAA regulations to be shared with the complainant.

  6. The original written complaint, a copy of the response, and a description of any actions taken as a result of the complaint will be maintained on file for five (5) years following the date of the resolution. 

If, after filing a complaint through the University process, the complainant feels there is still a concern or complaint, the following agencies can be contacted directly:  

   

  • Minnesota Office of Higher Education , Institutional Licensing and Registration   

1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350   

Saint Paul, MN 55108   

   

  • Higher Learning Commission    

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500   

Chicago, IL 60604   

   

  • Minnesota Board of Nursing   

Written complaints may be directed to the “Director of Education” and sent to the Minnesota Board of Nursing office at:

1210 Northland Drive, Suite 120

Mendota Heights, MN 55120.   

   

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)   

Written complaints may be directed to the “CCNE Complaints Administrator” and sent to the CCNE office at:

655 K Street NW, Suite 750

Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.   

   

  • Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)   

U.S. Department of Education   

400 Maryland Avenue, SW   

Washington, D.C. 20202 

 

  • Written complaints for HIPAA violations may be directed to: 

Office of Civil Rights   

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services   

Midwest Region   

233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 240 

Chicago, IL 60601