The Gustus Group

Student Grievance Procedure

Purpose

The Gustus Group is committed to providing a professional, respectful, and high-quality learning environment for all students. This grievance procedure establishes a fair and timely process for students to express concerns regarding instruction, services, policies, or the conduct of instructors, staff, or other students.

The Gustus Group encourages students to resolve concerns promptly and informally whenever possible. When an informal resolution cannot be reached, students may utilize the formal grievance process described below.

Issues Appropriate for a Grievance

Students may file a grievance regarding, but not limited to:

• Course instruction or instructional quality

• Instructor or staff professionalism

• Course administration

• Student conduct that disrupts the learning environment

• Alleged discrimination or harassment

• Accessibility concerns

• Failure to follow published policies or procedures

• Administrative decisions affecting the student's participation in a course

The grievance process may not be used to challenge academic grades unless the student believes the grade resulted from a violation of published grading policies or discriminatory practices.

Informal Resolution

Students are encouraged to first discuss their concern with the instructor or staff member involved within 10 business days of the incident.

Many concerns can be resolved quickly through open communication.

Formal Grievance Process

If the issue cannot be resolved informally, the student may submit a written grievance.

The written grievance should include:

• Student's full name

• Course title

• Date(s) of the incident

• Detailed description of the concern

• Any supporting documentation

• The desired resolution

Grievances may be submitted by email or mail to:

The Gustus Group
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
Email: TheGustusGroupLLC@gmail.com

Review Process

Upon receipt of a formal grievance:

1. The student will receive written acknowledgment within five (5) business days.

2. The grievance will be reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer or a designated administrator who was not directly involved in the matter.

3. Additional information may be requested from the student or other involved parties.

4. A written decision will generally be issued within fifteen (15) business days after all necessary information has been received.

If additional time is required, the student will be notified.

Appeals

If the student disagrees with the decision, a written appeal may be submitted within ten (10) business days of receiving the decision.

The appeal must include:

• The reason for the appeal

• Any additional supporting information

The appeal decision shall be considered final.

Confidentiality

The Gustus Group will make every reasonable effort to maintain confidentiality throughout the grievance process while conducting a thorough review.

Information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know in order to investigate or resolve the complaint.

Protection Against Retaliation

Students who submit grievances in good faith shall not be subject to retaliation, intimidation, discrimination, or adverse treatment for exercising their right to file a complaint.

Additional Information for Maryland Security Guard Training Students

Students enrolled in Maryland-approved Security Guard Training courses are encouraged to first utilize The Gustus Group's internal grievance process.

If a student believes that the concern involves violations of Maryland training requirements, instructor qualifications, course approval standards, or other matters regulated by the State of Maryland, the student may also submit a complaint to the appropriate Maryland regulatory authority.

The Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC), under the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, oversees the approval and regulation of certain public safety training programs and training schools. The Commission has authority to establish standards, inspect approved schools, and take action when schools fail to comply with applicable requirements.

Students may also contact the Maryland State Police Licensing Division regarding complaints involving regulated security guard agencies, instructors, or licensing matters. The Licensing Division accepts complaints and assigns investigators to review concerns regarding businesses and individuals under its regulatory authority.

Students are encouraged to retain copies of all correspondence and documentation submitted during either The Gustus Group's grievance process or any complaint filed with a Maryland regulatory agency.

Record Retention

The Gustus Group will maintain grievance records and supporting documentation in accordance with its record retention policies and applicable state and federal requirements.