Any organization benefits from clear expectations about communication and the orderly progression of concerns through a defined chain of command. It is expected that students will display characteristics of adult learners and developing professionals by seeking to solve problems that arise. We have defined a process for the types of problems addressed and the manner in which the problem solving may be escalated through the chain of command.

This process represents problems that are routine and specific to the Occupational Therapy Program. As a general practice, it is appropriate to resolve problems at the lowest possible level in the chain of command. The chain of command is as follows:

Administrative issues

Access to resources such as classrooms, lockers, learning materials, and audiovisual equipment; problems within the suite; broken equipment.

• Students are expected to define the problem, clarify the problem, and offer suggestions for possible solutions.
• Students are encouraged to present the problem along with suggestions for possible solutions directly to the OT Program Director/Department Chair. The Program Director/Department Chair affects the solution. If this cannot be resolved on the Program level, the Program Director/Department Chair will take the problem to appropriate college departments.

Academic issues

Timing of exams; quality of learning experiences; pace of material; fairness of
academic assessments.

• Students are expected to define the problem, clarify the problem, and offer suggestions for possible solutions.
• Students are encouraged to take problems and recommended solutions directly to the Course Master.
• If resolution is not achieved at the level of the Course Master the student should consult his/her advisor.
• If the problem or solution has a larger scope the Program Director/Department Chair will be consulted, and will affect a solution.
• If resolution cannot be achieved at the level of the Program Director/Department Chair or if the issue directly involves the Program Director/Department Chair, students are encouraged to meet with the SHS Dean of Student Affairs and/or E&H Dean of Faculty.

Please see any member of the Faculty if you have any questions or concerns.