Complaint Policy
Harding University takes very seriously complaints and concerns regarding the institution. Most complaints or concerns of a specific nature should be initiated and resolved at the campus level through normal University processes whenever possible. An email address (consumerinfo@harding.edu) and a toll-free number (844-678-2777) are available to help a student understand the process for filing a complaint. The university has an official complaint policy as well as a formal complaint form.
Complaints associated with the institution’s compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards may be directed to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) following their complaint process, which is published at www.hlcommission.org/for-students/file-a-complaint-against-an-institution/.
Students enrolled in Harding’s postsecondary distance education (e.g., online courses, clinical placements, etc.) must follow Harding’s published student grievance process before contacting the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE). Grievances regarding student grades or conduct violations are governed entirely by institutional policy and Arkansas law and will not be considered by ADHE. If a student must report an unresolved grievance, the student may complete the student complaint form at https://adhe.edu/institutions/ADHE-Grievance-Form. Resolutions by ADHE are final. Students must submit a written grievance to ADHE using the form. The grievant also must provide written documentation from the college/university verifying that the institution’s appeal process has been followed.
University Disclosures
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires colleges and universities that participate in federal student financial aid programs to disclose certain information to current and prospective students, and to university employees. Harding University has developed a consumer information webpage to provide these disclosures in one location.
The following disclosure requirements are housed within the catalog:
Legal Statements
Catalog Policies and Requirements
Lack of knowledge, incorrect interpretation of University policies and regulations, or advice which differs from the catalog does not remove the student from the obligation to satisfy all requirements for a degree. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for knowing the requirements of and completing a degree program.
Catalog Revision
Harding revises the catalog annually and reserves the right to modify its programs of study accordingly. When such cases occur, the University makes every effort to provide alternative solutions that are fair to both the University and its students. The University reserves the right to start courses or programs during the academic year prior to publication of the next catalog.
Catalog/Student Handbook Relationship
The Harding Catalog sets forth academic policy. The Undergraduate and Graduate and Professional Student Handbooks set forth policies regarding student conduct.
All students are required to read and follow the rules and regulations as presented in the appropriate Student Handbook. Each student is required to follow the rules and regulations and be subject to those rules and regulations as presented in the Student Handbook in effect during the period of his or her attendance. The handbook contains the Student Code of Conduct, penalties for failure to comply, grievance procedures, and a statement on student rights. Failure to follow the Code of Conduct contained in the handbook can result in suspension from the University. The Student Handbook, as amended from time to time, is incorporated in this Catalog by inference for all purposes.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) provides, with exceptions, (1) that students have a right to inspect and review their education records; seek amendment of education records the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violate the student’s privacy rights; consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student’s education records; and file a complaint with the United States Department of Education alleging failures to comply with FERPA or FERPA regulations; and (2) that education institutions shall not release education records to non-school employees without the consent of the student. “Students” as used in this FERPA notice includes former students.
With exceptions provided by law, students may see their education records upon request. Access will generally be granted immediately upon request to the record custodian, but if delay is necessary, the student may sign a “Request for Access to Student Records” and be allowed access within 45 days of the request. Students are entitled to copies (at the student’s expense) of records to which they have access. Students further have the right, under established procedures, to challenge the accuracy of the records, seek amendments, and enter their viewpoints in the education records. A list of all education records maintained by Harding and a copy of the University FERPA Policy are kept in the Registrar’s Office.
The University may not require students to sign a waiver of their right to access, but students should be aware that recommendations and evaluations may not be very helpful or candid without a signed waiver.
For purposes of a student’s enrollment in or transfer to another educational agency or institution, the University forwards education records to other educational agencies or institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled.
A student’s home address and phone number will be made available to a roommate assigned to that person.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act
The safety and security of the Harding community are a major concern for the Public Safety Department. Information about campus security, safety programs and procedures, fire statistics, and crime statistics is available in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You may obtain a copy of the annual security and fire report or contact the Harding University Department of Public Safety online at https://www.harding.edu/administrative/public-safety/security-report. Upon request, the Department of Public Safety will provide you a paper copy of the report.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Harding is committed to the policy of providing equal opportunity for all persons and does not illegally discriminate in admissions, programs, or any other educational functions and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or disability to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Code of Conduct. In the area of employment, Harding does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. Harding, as reflected in its Articles of Incorporation, may discriminate as to religion and may adhere to religious tenets regarding the limitation of employment of women in certain preaching and minister roles.
Based upon this commitment, Harding follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting illegal discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Harding is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admission policies, treatment of students, employment practices, or education program or activity except as application of Title IX would not be consistent with religious tenets of Churches of Christ and as permitted under Title IX exemptions.
Harding has a Title IX nondiscrimination policy available upon request in the offices of Student Life and Human Resources. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources, Box 12257, 915 E. Market Avenue, Searcy, AR 72149-2257; telephone 501-279-4380, to the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights (as to Title IX), or to both. The Title IX coordinators are:
Kevin Davis
University Title IX Coordinator
Assistant Director of Public Safety
915 E. Market Ave.
Kendall Hall, Office 113
Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-5000
kdavis@harding.edu |
Amie Carter
Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Assistant Director of Human Resources
915 E. Market Ave.
Ezell Building, Room 131
Searcy, AR 72149
501-279-4380
ascarter@harding.edu |
Student Right-to-Know Act of 1990
Harding complies with the Student Right to Know Act of 1990 which requires the disclosure of graduation and completion rates.
Transferability of Credits
Credits earned at Harding University might not transfer to another educational institution, and credits earned at another educational institution might not be accepted by Harding University. Students should obtain confirmation that Harding University will accept any credits earned at another educational institution before executing an enrollment contract or agreement. Students should also contact any educational institutions to which they may want to transfer credits earned at Harding University to determine if such institutions will accept credits earned at Harding University prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement. The ability to transfer credits from Harding University to other educational institutions might be limited. Credits might not transfer, resulting in the need to repeat courses previously taken at Harding University if a student enrolls in another educational institution. Students should never assume that credits will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and students are advised to make certain they know the transfer-of-credit policy of Harding University and of any other educational institutions to which they may want to transfer, in the future, the credits earned at Harding University before executing an enrollment contract or agreement.
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