Policy Page

Northeastern University encourages and expects all members of the community to conduct themselves according to the highest ethical standards. All of our endeavors – including research, academic, business, athletic, community relations and student affairs – must be grounded in ethical principles, conducted according to the utmost standards of integrity, and carried out in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and university policies. All university-wide policies, except for campus-specific policies, can be found on the university policy webpage.

Vancouver-specific campus policies and relevant resources will be accessible through this webpage. Vancouver-based students and employees must comply with Vancouver policies in addition to applicable university-wide policies. Vancouver-specific policies, reflecting distinctions in Canadian and provincial legal requirements, are identified by “CAN” at the end of the policy name. Any copies (print or online) of policies that are inconsistent with the official versions posted on this webpage should be disregarded.

Individual colleges and departments may have distinct practices, standards, or guidelines, all of which must be consistent with university policies. Compliance with university policies is a condition of employment and enrollment at the university. Please check back often to review current, new, or updated policies and to access helpful guidance or information.

If you need more information, please contact: [email protected]

Vancouver Student Grievances & Dispute Procedure

Northeastern University is committed to addressing student grievances in a fair, professional, and timely manner. We provide both formal and informal means to resolve issues and have established various mechanisms to ensure that student concerns or complaints are addressed effectively at the Vancouver campus. Students may access a number of related resources with regard to their concern or complaint, including both Vancouver-based and university-wide resources.

Vancouver-based Student Dispute Resources

Students may raise their concerns or complaints with a faculty member or staff member verbally or in writing:

  • The faculty/staff member will note the complaints in writing and submit them to the Associate Director of Student Services (Serena Conlon at [email protected]), who will review the situation and will work with the student to access the appropriate resources for resolution.
    • In the case of an academic or classroom instruction or evaluation related complaint, the student’s Academic Advisor will be informed, and the student will be directed to file a written complaint according to the relevant college-specific procedure, as noted in the University-wide Academic-related Disputes section.
    • In the case of concerns related to harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct the student will be referred to the Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) for support and guidance regarding their reporting options. Students are able to access OUEC directly, or the Associate Director of Student Services may file the complaint on the student’s behalf, should the student wish for assistance.
    • In the case of a report of student misconduct, the incident will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).
    • For matters other than student misconduct, the complaint will be reviewed by the Associate Director of Student Services, and appropriate resources will be provided to support resolution of the student’s concern.
    • Depending on the circumstances of the student’s concern, relevant university-wide offices will be engaged to support a clear and equitable solution. Generally, resolutions to complaints or concerns are made within 30 days of the complaint being submitted. However, in circumstances that warrant additional time, such as complex cases, an additional 15, 30, or 45 days may be allowed, with written notice provided to all parties involved. Decisions related to complaint resolution will be communicated in writing, ensuring transparency and clarity.
  • Additionally, students may make complaints to the Regional CEO & Dean Steve Eccles at [email protected] or the Associate Dean & Campus Administrator Carrie Chassels at [email protected].

University-wide Academic Related Disputes:

Students can refer to the university-wide academic policies and procedures outlined in the Academic Catalog here: https://catalog.northeastern.edu/graduate/academic-policies-procedures/#_ga=2.178074853.1194547758.1682368818-2034845931.1676470804. For additional information on the college-specific appeals process, please see below:

University-wide Non-Academic Related Disputes:

  • Anonymous and Confidential Reporting Hotline: All students may use the Northeastern anonymous reporting hotline at http://northeastern.ethicspoint.com. Reports may be submitted online or over the phone in multiple languages, including English and French.
  • Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution: Students can report student code of conduct violations by contacting the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution at [email protected]
  • Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC): The Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) is responsible for leading efforts to maintain the University’s compliance with laws related to discrimination or harassment based on a protected category. Northeastern University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on various factors including race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status. For the full policy, follow the link to the document on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX. https://policies.northeastern.edu/policy104 OUEC offers the Northeastern community a place to discuss and report issues and concerns regarding discrimination and harassment and provide multiple pathways towards a resolution, including investigations through a formal resolution process. Students can file complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, or sexual and gender-based violence through the Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) using the following link: https://www.northeastern.edu/ouec/file-a-complaint
  • Ombuds Office: Students seeking confidential, impartial, and informal assistance regarding concerns related to their university experience can contact the Graduate Ombudsperson through this link: https://graduateombuds.northeastern.edu/contact

All relevant resources and links mentioned above can be accessed on the Northeastern University Vancouver Student Life Website, which serves as the central information hub for prospective and current students. This website is designed to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on university policies, procedures, and resources related to student life. Students are encouraged to visit the website regularly to stay informed and access the necessary information they need throughout their academic journey at Northeastern University Vancouver.

https://studentlifevancouver.sites.northeastern.edu/network-based-resources

Northeastern University Vancouver Campus is regulated by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills in British Columbia. Programs offered under the written consent of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills can be found at https://catalog.northeastern.edu/professional-studies/appendix/authorizations. Prospective students are responsible for ensuring that the program and degree meet their needs, including acceptance by potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions.