Student Advocacy, Grievance, and Empowerment

Reporting Threatening or Harmful Behavior

​Reporting Issues Related to Violence, Discrimination, and Harassment

All students shall have the same fundamental rights to equal respect, due process, and judgment of them based solely on factors demonstrably related to performance and expectations as students. All students share equally the obligations to perform their duties and exercise judgments of others in accordance with the basic standards of fairness, equity, and inquiry that should always guide education.

The University of Colorado strives to maintain a campus free of intimidating, threatening, or violent behavior, including but not limited to, verbal and/or physical aggression, attack, threats, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior in any form or by any media, which causes or could cause a reasonable person to fear physical harm by an individual(s) or group(s) against any person(s) and/or property.

Anti-Violence Reporting Policy and Procedures

This policy is not intended to regulate the content of an individual’s speech but is instead meant to address the manner in which individuals behave. This policy applies to academic, administrative, research, and service departments, programs activities and/or services wherever University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) business is conducted, including extended studies and international locations.

CU EthicsLine – Reporting Suspected Misconduct

CU EthicsLine provides a way to anonymously report concerns involving fiscal misconduct, violations of state or federal law, serious or recurring violations of university policy, or gross waste of university funds or property. The reporting service is provided by EthicsPoint, an independent company that provides similar services for hundreds of companies and universities. Options for 24/7 reporting are via a toll-free phone number (1.800.677.5590) or online (Ethicspoint.com).

The University of Colorado Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct including:

• Sexual assault, non-consensual sexual intercourse
• Sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact
• Sexual exploitation
• Intimate partner abuse, including dating and domestic violence
• Stalking
• Sexual harassment, including quid pro quo and hostile environment
• Retaliation related to any form of sexual misconduct 

Please see the policy for definitions and descriptions of the prohibited behavior.

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, contractors, patients, volunteers, affiliated entities and other third parties regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity.

This prohibition applies to conduct that occurs on campus. It also applies to off-campus conduct, including online or electronic conduct, in certain circumstances outlined in Section H., 2. of the Sexual Misconduct, Intimate Partner Abuse and Stalking Policy.

The CU Denver Anschutz Nondiscrimination Policy outlines that we do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, educational programs and activities. The university is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working and living environment and takes action to increase ethnic, cultural and gender diversity, to employ qualified disabled individuals and to provide equal opportunity to all students and employees.

All students shall have the same fundamental rights to equal respect, due process and judgment of them based solely on factors demonstrably related to performance and expectations as students. All students share equally the obligations to perform their duties and exercise judgments of others in accordance with the basic standards of fairness, equity and inquiry that should always guide education.

Reporting Alleged Violations of the Nondiscrimination or Sexual Misconduct Policy​​

The university employs staff members in the Office of Equity who are trained to respond to issues related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The Assistant Vice Chancellor & Title IX Coordinator oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of the policies, procedures, and training efforts. To report a concern to the Office of Equity you may submit the online report form, email Equity@UCDenver.edu, or call 303-315-2567. Visit the Office of Equity website for more information, including confidential resources available to assist individuals impacted by these behaviors.

Academic Integrity and Discipline Policies

A university’s reputation is built on a standing tradition of excellence and scholastic integrity. As members of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus academic community, faculty and students accept the responsibility to maintain the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in completing all forms of academic work at the university. Academic dishonesty is academic in nature, and students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor for details of how policies and procedures differ from one college to another.

For issues and concerns related to student conduct and academic performance, students may file a grievance or appeal according to the procedures described by their program, college or school.

Reporting Suspected Violations of Student Honor Code

Students who suspect or observe violations of academic ethics should report them to their instructor, the department chair or the Office of the Dean of the applicable school or college. If your school/college’s honor code and policy is not listed below, please contact your advisor or the Dean’s Office for the code and procedures.

• Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program Academic Policies & Procedures
• College of Nursing Student Handbook
• Colorado School of Public Health Handbook
• Graduate School Student Academic Honor Code
• Medical Student Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines
• Physical Therapy Program Handbook in Canvas
• School of Dental Medicine Student Handbook​
• Skaggs School of Pharmacy Student Ethics and Conduct Code

Grades and Academic Probation & Suspension

For issues and concerns related to academic performance, including grade appeals, students may file a grievance or appeal according to the procedures described by their program, college or school.

Process for Grade Appeal Issues

Student follows grade appeal process or student grievance process with their school or college.

1. Discuss concerns with the faculty member
2. If the issue is not resolved after a conversation with the faculty member, discuss concerns with the department chair
3. If the issue is not resolved after a conversation with the department chair, discuss concerns with the associate dean

Academic Policies

• College of Nursing
• School of Public Health
• Graduate School
• School of Medicine
• School of Dental Medicine
• Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tuition Appeals

Students are responsible for abiding by the published deadlines. Tuition is not refundable when students drop or withdraw from courses after the published deadlines. If circumstances beyond the student’s control have made the late drop or withdraw necessary, the student may file a tuition appeal.

Schools at the Anschutz Medical Campus have an appeal process which allows, under extenuating circumstances, for a waiver of all or a portion of tuition charges and those fees recorded in the school's accounts upon a student's withdrawal or dismissal from school. Students requesting tuition relief due to a withdrawal for unforeseen circumstances should contact their school's Admissions/Student Affairs Office to file a formal appeal. If their respective school believes that the circumstance justify relief from the tuition charges, the school will work with the Office of the Registrar to enter the appropriate tuition rebate percentage on the student account.

• Medical Withdrawals
• Tuition Appeal Guidelines​
• CU Nursing Tuition Appeal Form​

Billing and Financial Aid & Scholarship Appeals

Billing/Bursar’s Office

Grievances related to billing issues should first be directed the Bursar’s Office. If the issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you may ask to speak with an Associate Director. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction by an Associate Director, the appeal may be then be escalated to the Director.  

Financial Aid & Scholarships Office

Grievances related to financial aid and scholarships should first be directed to an Assistant Director of the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.  If the issue cannot be resolved by an Assistant Director, the appeal may be then be escalated to the Director.

If you were unable to resolve your grievance with the appropriate office, the Ombuds Office provides a safe, independent, and confidential resource for all students of the CU Anschutz community, and can assist students with resolving or managing conflict and with clarifying policies.

Student Advocacy and Grievance Resources

​The University is committed to respecting all members of our university community and providing a quality educational experience for all students. The Office of Student Outreach and Support is a resource that collaborates with all of the schools and colleges to ensure students have access to resources that help them navigate challenging experiences. You can work with a Case Manager to obtain the support you need. 

It is our objective to ensure that the concerns and complaints of students are addressed fairly and resolved promptly. Our Student Advocacy, Grievance, and Empowerment page includes policies and resources to assist students in reporting threatening or harmful behavior, or filing grievances or appeals. Complaints are usually the result of behavior that the student feels is unjust, inequitable, or creates an unnecessary hardship. 

Student Advocacy Resources (On-Campus) 

FaST - Faculty and Staff Threat Assessment and Response Team: If you would like to report threatening behavior by a University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus faculty or staff member please e-mail FacultyStaff.Assessment@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-0182

The Campus Assessment, Response & Evaluation (CARE) Team helps students address their health and safety needs. The team provides assistance to those in need and in particular individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others.

The Ombuds Office provides a safe, independent, and confidential resource for all students of the CU Anschutz community.  It can assist students with resolving or managing conflict and with clarifying policies and obligations to report.

The Campus Health Center's (CHC) was designed to meet the care needs of anyone who works or studies on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Students, faculty, and staff report harassment/discrimination to the Office of Equity. Phone: 303-315-2567.

​Police Escort Service or Motorist Assist – Phone:  303-724-4444.

​​​The Phoenix Center at Anschutz​​ provides free and confidential assistance to survivors of interpersonal violence. Phone: 303-724-9120 |​​ 24/7 Helpline: 303-556-CALL (2255).

Student Advocacy Resources (Off-Campus)

The Aurora Police Victim Services & Rights Unit provides quality, timely and effective crisis intervention and referrals to identified victims of crime and traumatic events in the city of Aurora.

The Victim Assistance Unit of Denver Police provides immediate intervention, support, information, referrals and other assistance to victims of crime, witnesses and/or their families including incidents of non-criminal, stark misfortune. Please call us if you need assistance. Phone: 720-913-6035

The Rose Andom Center is a place for domestic violence victims to find the safety, support, and services needed to rebuild their lives and heal their families. Phone: 720-337-4400

​The Blue Bench (formerly RAAP): is a comprehensive sexual assault prevention and support center, and provides a sexual assault hotline and resources.  Phone: 303-329-99​22 

Colorado Crisis Services provides confidential and immediate support, 24/7/365 by phone, text, chat or in person at walk-in centers.

Domestic Violence Hotline – Phone:  303-343-1851

Grievance Resources​

FaST - Faculty and Staff Threat Assessment and Response Team: If you would like to report threatening behavior by a University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus faculty or staff member please e-mail FacultyStaff.Assessment@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-0182

The Ombuds Office provides a safe, independent, and confidential resource for all students of the CU Anschutz community.  It can assist students with resolving or managing conflict and with clarifying policies and obligations to report.​

Complaints to Colorado Department of Higher Education or the Institutional Accreditor

Before submitting a complaint with the Department of Higher Education, you must exhaust opportunities for resolution at the University.

Complaints to the Institutional Accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC will assist you with complaints that are related to accrediting issues if you follow the instructions for Filing a Complaint.  The Commission cannot assist you in understanding your tuition bill, arranging for a refund of tuition, obtaining a higher grade for a course, seeking reinstatement to an academic program, or other similar issues.