INTRODUCTION

The School of Medicine Student Course Catalog is a reference for medical and academic health students and others regarding the administrative policies, rules and regulations of Emory University and the Emory University School of Medicine. In addition, the Student Handbook contains policies and procedures for areas such as admissions, academic and professional standards, progress and promotion, financial aid, student organizations, disability insurance, academic and personal counseling, and student health.

It is the responsibility of each student enrolled in the Emory University School of Medicine programs to understand and abide by the regulations and policies within the course catalog, student handbook, and within Emory University.

Accreditation Statement

Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, doctorate, and professional degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Emory University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Nondiscrimination Statement

Emory University is an inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and diverse community dedicated to the ideals of free academic discourse in teaching, scholarship, and community service. Emory University abides by the values of academic freedom and is built on the assumption that contention among different views is positive and necessary for the expansion of knowledge, both for the University itself and as a training ground for society at large. Emory is committed to the widest possible scope for the free circulation of ideas.

The University is committed to maintaining an environment that is free of unlawful harassment and discrimination. Pursuant to the University’s commitment to a fair and open campus environment and in accordance with federal law, Emory cannot and will not tolerate discrimination against or harassment of any individual or group based upon race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law. Emory University welcomes and promotes an open and genuinely diverse environment.

Department of Veterans Affairs Pending Payment Rights

In compliance with Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) Emory University adheres to the following provisions for any student(s) that are/is considered “a covered individual” who are using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Gi Bill, or Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits:

The University will not:

Prevent the student’s enrollment in classes
Assess a penalty fee (late fees, administrative fees) due to delayed disbursements from the Department of Veterans Affairs under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33
Deny access to any school resources, classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities that are available to other paid students
Require the student to borrow additional funds for the length of time these provisions are applicable

The university will require students to provide the following documents to be considered a “covered individual”:

An official “Certificate of Eligibility”, or “Statement of Benefits” from the VA website or ebenefits [Chapter 33] or a VAF 28-1905 [Chapter 31] on or before the first day of class for the semester.
A completed Veterans Enrollment Certification Student Data Form
Any additional documentation required to ensure proper certification of benefits

Having met all requirements, the Department of Veterans Affairs will provide the university with payment ending on the earlier of either:

The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution,
Ninety (90) days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees

Any difference in the amount of the student’s financial obligation to the university and the amount the student is eligible to receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs may incur an additional fee, or payment/payment arrangement may be required to cover the difference. Please note that all eligibility documents must be submitted to the School Certifying Official in the Office of the University Registrar. Instructions for submission of this paperwork can be found at the website below.

https://registrar.emory.edu/veterans/veterans-education-benefits/index.html

Student Complaints

Overview

Emory University is committed to receiving and addressing written student complaints against the university, its faculty, staff, or administrative personnel in a timely manner. Appropriate procedures are described below and should be adhered to in response to student complaints. Students should first attempt to resolve their complaints with the office most directly responsible for the action being challenged. Each school or administrative unit at Emory has an office of Student Services or other office that can further assist students and direct them if they are uncertain about where to start. In addition, students may use the Office of the Ombuds (https://ombuds.emory.edu/) to assist with complaints if they are uncertain or wish to discuss a situation confidentially before taking more formal action. Note that in cases of sexual misconduct, the Ombuds is a mandated reporter.

Federal financial aid laws and regulations require that each state has a process to review and act on complaints concerning educational institutions in the state. You may file a complaint with the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) website at https://gnpec.georgia.gov/ to submit your complaint/grievance with the state. You may also contact GNPEC by mail or by phone at the following address and/or phone number: Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305; Office: 770-414-3300, Fax: 770-414-3309. Please be aware that: “The Commission requires that students utilize and complete their institution's grievance procedure in an attempt to resolve any complaint or concern before submitting a complaint to the Commission. If the institution's resolution is not satisfactory, a student may then appeal to the Commission, but it will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution.”

An agreement with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission permits students enrolled in distance learning programs to file a complaint with the following agencies if their complaint cannot be resolved by following Emory University procedures: 1) the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Commission, 2) the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and 3) a complaint to the state in which the distance learning student resides.

Applicability

This policy applies to current and former students who choose to make a formal written complaint against the university, its faculty, staff, or administrative personnel.

Policy Details

Documentation of the Complaint

Student complaints must be submitted in writing and accompanied by relevant documentation describing 1) the specific action, practice or decision that is being challenged, 2) the individuals involved in or with knowledge of the action, practice or decision at issue, 3) the impact of the decision, 4) what resolution is desired, and 5) why it should be granted.

Complaint Resolution

Except in situations involving allegations of discrimination or harassment (where students may file complaints directly with the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance), Emory encourages each student to pursue complaints against faculty, staff, or administrative personnel at the school, office, or unit level. Each school and administrative unit has its own procedures as described in the student handbook, school’s catalog, or unit website. Academic or other concerns usually begin with student service personnel in each school or administrative unit who then typically route the concerns to the appropriate school or administrative authority. Student concerns can be effectively handled by school or administrative unit personnel who have staff expertise in the academic or service discipline involved, familiarity with the faculty/staff, and who have experience in handling similar decisions made regarding its students.

To expedite a prompt resolution, complaints should include current contact information of the individual filing the complaint. In most cases, responses to the complaint, including the final decision, will be provided in writing within 30 days of receipt of the complaint. However, exceptions to this timeframe may be allowed with reasonable and regular communication to inform the student of the current status of the complaint.

Record Retention

The designated school or unit representative for reporting purposes should retain the written complaint along with the resolution of the complaint and any additional supporting documentation, including emails, or other communication. In addition, an action log of all complaints received should be maintained each year. This action log is collected by the Office of Planning and Administration as a part of the Annual Report process. An example is provided below in the “Related Link” section.

DISTANCE LEARNING: NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS

Effective March 17, 2016, the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) approved Emory University to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). A "State authorization reciprocity agreement" is an agreement between two or more States that authorizes an institution located and legally authorized in a State covered by the agreement to provide postsecondary education through distance education or correspondence courses to students in other States covered by the agreement. If a complaint submitted by a student enrolled in a distance learning program cannot be resolved by following the Emory University procedures, a student may file a complaint with the following agencies: 1) Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Commission (complete the SARA Online Student Complaint form), 2) the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Emory University's regional accrediting body ( "Complaint Procedures"), and 3) a complaint to the state within which the distance learning student resides (file a complaint in your state).

State of Georqia

Federal financial aid laws and regulations require that each state has a process to review and act on complaints concerning educational institutions in the state. If you have a complaint, you may file it with Emory's financial aid office or call the Trust Line at 1-888-550-8850 or file a report online at https://www.mycompliancereport.com/EmoryTrustLineOnline. You may also file a complaint about Emory University with the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC). Use the website at https://gnpec.georgia.gov/ to submit your complaint/grievance with the state. You may also contact GNPEC by mail or by phone at the following address and/or phone number: Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305; Office: 770-414-3300, Fax: 770-414-3309. Please be aware that: "The Commission requires that students utilize and complete their institution's grievance procedure in an attempt to resolve any complaint or concern before submitting a complaint to the Commission. If the institution's resolution is not satisfactory, a student may then appeal to the Commission, but it will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution.

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is Emory University's regional accrediting body. Students may make inquiries to SACSCOC regarding complaint procedures or about issues and concerns that could be considered complaints. Policy and procedures for filing student complaints are outlined in the document "Complaint Procedures against SACSCOC or its Accredited Institutions." SACSCOC asks that you read its policy statement before filing a complaint.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Matters pertaining to federal financial aid should be referred to the United States Department of Education.

Definitions

A complaint is a written description of a problem or concern that has not been resolved through normal academic or administrative processes at the office or unit level. Student complaints can be categorized into four major areas: Academic, Non- academic, Discrimination/Harassment (equityandinclusion.emory.edu), or Appeals of any of the previously mentioned areas.

If a student has a complaint involving discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct against an Emory employee, the complaint can be made directly to the Office of Inclusion and Compliance. Otherwise, a complaint should be filed with and handled by the relevant school or administrative unit.

The "handling official" is the person designated in each school or administrative unit to address the complaint.

An ombudsperson is an independent, impartial individual from whom students may seek confidential guidance regarding a problem, conflict, or concern. The Emory Ombuds Office offers assistance through informal means only and is not an advocate in grievance procedures, judicial procedures, or any other formal processes.

A “State authorization reciprocity agreement” is an agreement between two or more States that authorizes an institution located and legally authorized in a State covered by the agreement to provide postsecondary education through distance education or correspondence courses to students in other States covered by the agreement.