Institutional and Program Accreditation
National University of Natural Medicine is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by NWCCU indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial, but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
National University of Natural Medicine is a member institution with NWCCU. NWCCU’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on March 3, 2025, was to reaffirm accreditation. NUNM’s most recent evaluation was Fall 2024 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness. The next evaluation will be Spring 2026 Financial Resources Review.
NWCCU is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by NWCCU should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
NWCCU
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 200, Redmond, WA 98052
425.558.4224 | https://nwccu.org/
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME)
National University of Natural Medicine underwent a site visit, APril 20-22, 2022. The CNME Board coted to reaffirm accreditation of NUNM’s ND program for a period of 7 years.
The degree program in naturopathic medicine is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, a professional accrediting agency for naturopathic medicine programs.
CNME
P.O. Box 178, Great Barrington, MA 01230
413.528.8877 | https://cnme.org/
Accreditating Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE)
National University of Natural Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education, a programmatic accrediting agency for master’s degree programs in clinical nutrtion. For information, contact: ACNPE, info@ACNPE.org.
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM)
The following programs offered by National University of Natural Medicine are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):
(1) Master of Acupuncture
(2) Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization
(3) Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization
• including a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization degree completion track
ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor level.
Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM Directory.
ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; https://acahm.org
Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 1 July 2024.
Acupuncture licensure regulations vary state to state among the 47 states that offer acupuncture licensure. In almost all of these states, graduates must pass the NCCAOM national board exams to obtain licensure. Graduates of the the MAcCHM and DAcCHM programs of the College of Classical Chinese Medicine are eligible to sit for all four modules of the exam.
California requires passing a separate exam, the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE), and does not currently recognize the NCCAOM exam. The California Acupuncture Board (CAB) has additional requirements for programs graduating students who wish to practice in California. The DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs satisfy all requirements of the CAB and are thus considered “CAB compliant,” so graduates of the DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs are eligible to sit for the CALE.
Because the MAc program does not include Chinese herbal medicine training, MAc graduates are not eligible to practice in some states, including California. Additionally, MAc graduates may sit for the Foundations, Biomedicine, and Acupuncture with Point Location modules of the NCCAOM exam. Graduation from an accredited program such as all of those in the College of Classical Chinese Medicine does not guarantee licensure in a state. Licensure in a given state depends upon the licensure requirements of that state. Students will need to research the licensure regulations for the state in which they intend to practice. https://www.nccaom.org/state-licensure/
The DAcCHM completion track does not by itself confer licensure or certification eligibility, as in this case, the master’s degree of DAcCHM-completion students determines eligibility. Prior master’s training and degree are required as a prerequisite for the DAcCHM completion program.
Note that state regulations regarding acupuncture licensure evolve frequently. Thus, while NUNM reviews requirements annually (please see https://nunm.edu/nc-sara/), we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, so students should always check the state in which they intend to practice for eligibility requirements.
Requirements for Oregon Licensure
To become licensed to practice acupuncture in Oregon, students need to have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree at the first professional degree level from an accredited college and obtained national certification in acupuncture from the NCCAOM. NCCAOM certification involves successfully passing the NCCAOM national exam modules in Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, and Biomedicine. NUNM students are eligible to take the exam modules after graduation, but may apply for certification 60 days prior to their graduation date.
Other sources of information available to prospective students about NUNM include the Exploration Day program, campus visits and nunm.edu.
For further information regarding NUNM programs, please contact:
Office of Admissions
49 South Porter Street, Portland, OR 97201
503.552.1660 | admissions@nunm.edu
Information regarding a consumer or civil complaint can be filed with:
Oregon Department of Justice
Consumer Protection Section
1162 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301-4096
1.877.877.9392 | help@oregonconsumer.gov
Information regarding any violation of civil rights is available at:
U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights
400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202
800.421.3481 | ed.gov/ocr | OCR@ed.gov
Student complaints, or other allegations that the university has failed or is failing to comply with the provisions of any laws or rules, can be filed with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to investigate and resolve complaints:
State of Oregon: Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)
3225 25th Street SE, Salem, OR 97302
503.947.5716 | info.pps@hecc.oregon.gov
Equal Opportunity Statement
NUNM does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, familial status, veteran or current military status, marital status or sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other protected class under local, state, or federal law. This policy complies with all federal and local laws, including with the Equal Opportunity Act of 1965, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IV of the Higher Education Act as federally reauthorized in 1998, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
NUNM’s nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in university programs and activities, including but not limited to academic admissions, financial aid, educational services and employment. Title IX prohibits gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
NUNM adheres to guidelines set forth by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which pertain to limitations and rights of access to student records (FERPA) and patient-protected health information (HIPAA). To ensure compliance with these requirements, NUNM enacts policies and procedures, and articulates protocols in this catalog, the student and employee handbooks, and departmental policy and procedural guides.
The dean of students has been designated to handle inquiries regarding NUNM’s Title IX policies and procedures.
Title IX Coordinator
Iris Sobottke, MA, NCC
National University of Natural Medicine
49 South Porter Street, Portland, OR 97201
503.552.1607
Every effort has been made to ensure the catalog’s informational accuracy. NUNM regularly reviews its policies to improve the institution and the quality of education provided. Changes to the catalog can be made without prior notice. This catalog is not a contract between NUNM and current or prospective students.
This catalog can be downloaded in PDF format at nunm.edu.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states. States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts. NUNM is authorized to provide online education to students who reside in 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, please visit the NC-SARA website (http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions).
While California does not currently participate in the NC-SARA initiative, NUNM is authorized to operate in California via the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Please see below for additional information.
Complaints
National University of Natural Medicine students should first seek to resolve concerns and complaints by reviewing the policy and follow procedures outlined in the Student Conflict and Resolution Policy section of the catalog.
Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their school first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or by sending an email to complaints@hecc.oregon.gov. Students may also access the HECC complaints web page at https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Pages/complaints.aspx or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website: https://nc-sara.org/sara-student-complaints-0.
Complaints may also be filed with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at the following: https://nwccu.org/complaints/.
Students from California can file a complaint with California Department of Consumer Affairs Consumer Information Center at their website: https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaints/oos_students.shtml.
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement (NC-SARA)
State regulations regarding naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, or nutrition licensure or certification evolve frequently. Thus, while NUNM reviews requirements annually, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information on a continuous basis. Students should meet with their dean and be familiar with the regulations in the state in which they intend to practice.
NUNM prepares students to take licensure or certification exams in Oregon. Current and prospective students who plan to practice outside of Oregon, should research licensure or certification requirements in the state they would like to practice. Students who intend to practice outside of Oregon after graduation should set up a meeting with their program dean to ensure that they meet the requirements of that state. Additional information on licensure is provided in the NUNM Catalog and Student Handbook.
Naturopathic Medicine Licensure
NUNM has made a determination that the ND program meets requirements to attain a license to practice Naturopathic medicine in the following states. The following jurisdictions use NPLEX exams as a part of their license requirements.
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah1, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and US Territories: Puerto Rico
1In addition to completion of the ND program at NUNM, the state of Utah requires post-graduate medical education (e.g., residency) to attain licensure.
In other U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions, a varying scope of naturopathic practice may be permitted or protected by court decisions, attorney general opinions, or local custom.
Naturopathic Medicine Licensure – States Without Regulatory Authorities
NUNM has made a determination that the requirements to become licensed are not applicable because they do not exist in the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
NUNM has made a determination that the requirements to become licensed are not met in the following locations. While licensure or registration regulations exist, a licensing or registration board has not been established and is not issuing licenses or registrations at this time.
US Territories: U.S. Virgin Islands
Requirements to Becoming Licensed
Following graduation from an accredited four-year naturopathic medicine program, NDs must pass the Naturopathic Physicians License Exam (NPLEX) board examinations to receive their medical license. This tests their understanding of biomedical and clinical sciences, as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge. After passing the NPLEX exams, applicants are then required to pass exams specific to the state or jurisdiction in which they seek to obtain a license and practice.
The first ND licensing exam (NPLEX Part I) focuses on foundational medical sciences. It is similar to those used by conventional medical schools, testing the applicants’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology and pathology. The second exam (NPLEX Part II) assesses an applicant’s grasp of the clinical sciences, diagnosis, and the unique modalities of naturopathic medicine, including but not limited to clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and physical medicine. After passing the NPLEX examinations, applicants are then required to pass exams specific to the state or jurisdiction in which they seek to obtain a license and practice.
Advocacy
Efforts to enact licensing laws are underway in several states. The best sources of current information about the legal status of naturopathic medicine in a particular area are the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (818 18th St. NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006 or www.naturopathic.org), state or provincial naturopathic associations, or individual naturopathic physicians in that area.
Currently, all states that license naturopathic physicians require graduation from a residential course of study offered through a college accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). National University of Natural Medicine meets all requirements and is accredited by the CNME (http://cnme.org/).
Completion of the ND degree at National University of Natural Medicine or another recognized institution qualifies candidates to sit for board licensing examination that every applicant must pass to be licensed. Similarly, National University of Natural Medicine graduates are eligible to sit for examination in Canadian provinces that license naturopathic medicine. While each jurisdiction has its own examination requirements, an increasing number use the Naturopathic Physicians License Exam (NPLEX) as part or all of the required testing.
Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization Licensure
Graduates of the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM, previously DSOM), Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAcCHM, previously MSOM), and MAc programs are eligible to apply for acupuncture licensure in the State of Oregon. DAcCHM and MAcCHM graduates are eligible to take all exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM, http://www.nccaom.org/), which most states use as a basis for licensure. MAc graduates are eligible to take all NCCAOM exams except the Chinese Herbology Module Exam, which is required for licensure in some states.
Acupuncture licensure regulations vary state to state among the 47 states that offer acupuncture licensure. In almost all of these states, graduates must pass the NCCAOM national board exams to obtain licensure.
California requires passing a separate exam, the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE), and does not currently recognize the NCCAOM exam. The California Acupuncture Board (CAB) has additional requirements for programs graduating students who wish to practice in California. The DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs satisfy all requirements of the CAB and are thus considered “CAB compliant,” so graduates of the DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs are eligible to sit for the CALE.
Because the MAc program does not include Chinese herbal medicine training, MAc graduates are not eligible to practice in some states, including California. Additionally, MAc graduates may sit for the Foundations, Biomedicine, and Acupuncture with Point Location modules of the NCCAOM exam. Graduation from an accredited program including all of those in the College of Classical Chinese Medicine does not guarantee licensure in a state. Licensure in a given state depends upon the licensure requirements of that state.
The DAcCHM completion track does not by itself confer licensure or certification eligibility, as in this case, the master’s degree of DAcCHM-completion program determines eligibility. Prior master’s training and degree are required as a prerequisite for the DAcCHM completion program.
Additional information on state regulations may be found at the NCCAOM website: https://www.nccaom.org/state-licensure/
Requirements for Oregon Licensure
To become licensed to practice acupuncture in Oregon, students must have a master’s or doctoral degree at the first professional degree level from an accredited college and obtained national certification in acupuncture from the NCCAOM. NCCAOM certification involves successfully passing the NCCAOM national exam modules in Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, and Biomedicine and for MAcCHM and DAcCHM program graduates who wish to practice Chinese herbology, the herbology exam. NUNM students are eligible to take the exam modules after graduation but may apply for certification 60 days prior to their graduation date.
For additional information, contact:
NCCAOM
2001 K Street, NW, 3rd Floor North
Washington, D.C. 20006
888.381.1140
info@thenccaom.org
https://www.nccaom.org/
For additional information on acupuncture licensure in the State of California, contact:
California Acupuncture Board
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-219
Sacramento, CA 95834
916.515.5200
www.acupuncture.ca.gov
For additional information concerning licensure in the State of New Mexico, contact:
The Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Physical Address:
2550 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 7505
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
505.476.4500
https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine/
NUNM has made a determination that the DAcCHM, MAcCHM, and MAc programs meet the requirements to become licensed in the following states:
The following states require or use the NCCAOM certification
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine2, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire2, New Jersey2, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
NUNM has made a determination that the DAcCHM and MAcCHM programs meet the requirements to become licensed in the following states:
The following states require or use the NCCAOM certification
Delaware, Florida, Nevada2, New Mexico
The following state requires or uses the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE) administered by the California Acupuncture Board.
California
The MAcCHM program is approved by the California Acupuncture Board, allowing graduates to sit for the California licensing exam, and is on the State of New Mexico education program approved list. The MAc program does not meet licensing requirements for the State of California or the State of New Mexico.
NUNM has made a determination that the DAcCHM, MAcCHM, and MAc programs do not meet the requirements to become licensed in the following states:
Texas
Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization Licensure – States Without Regulatory Authorities
NUNM has made a determination that the DAcCHM, MAcCHM, and MAc programs requirements to become licensed are not applicable because licensure requirements do not exist in the following state:
Alabama, Oklahoma, South Dakota
NUNM has made a determination that the MAc program does not meet requirements to become licensed in the following states:
Delaware, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico
Additional Information
Chinese Herbology or Oriental Medicine certification is required to practice herbs in the following states:
District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey2, Ohio
Acupuncture certification is not required; however, passage of the Chinese Herbology exam is required to practice herbs:
Pennsylvania, Vermont
2Indicates that the state requires students to have a bachelor’s degree in order to become licensed.
Master of Science in Nutrition Licensure
MScN graduates are eligible to take the exam administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS), which most states use as a basis for licensure and set the standards for advanced personalized nutrition practitioners via the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN) are not currently eligible to apply for licensure in the State of Oregon. In early 2025, a bill has been introduced in the Oregon state legislative process that would include a pathway to licensure for a CNS.
For additional information, contact:
Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists
211 Chicago Ave,
Hinsdale, IL 60521
202.903.0267
theana.org
NUNM has made a determination that the Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN) program meets requirements to become licensed in the following states if an individual obtains a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential.
States where the Program meets requirements for licensure
Alaska, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania
States where Licensure is required to Practice
Delaware, Disctrict of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Illinois, Kentucky3, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, and North Dakota
3 Master’s degree or higher in nutrition are eligible for certification to nutritionists.
NUNM has made a determination that the requirements to become licensed are not applicable because requirements do not exist and there is no licensing board in the following states:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan
NUNM has made a determination that licensure/certification requirements are not applicable because requirements do not exist in the following states:
Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey4, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
4 I Licensure for Dieticians and Nutritionists in New Jersey is not available at this time. The Board of Dieticians and Nutritionists is drafting regulations which will, among other things, outline the licensure process. Licensure will be required after the regulations are adopted.
Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN clinical concentration)
NUNM has made a determination that the requirements to become licensed/certified are not met to practice medical nutrition therapy and is not eligible to practice medical nutrition therapy.
Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN culinary concentration)
NUNM has made a determination that the MScN culinary concentration does meet requirements to practice with the CNS.
Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee
For further information regarding programs at National University of Natural Medicine, please contact:
Office of Admissions
National University of Natural Medicine
49 South Porter Street, Portland, OR 97201
Phone 503.552.1660 | admissions@nunm.edu
Student Conflict and Resolution Policy
The NUNM Student Complaint and Resolution policy provides a means by which a student may seek an equitable and orderly resolution regarding an interpersonal conflict or a complaint against another community member (e.g., faculty member, administrator, staff member, or another student). An unresolved complaint is raised to the level of a formal grievance when the student submits a written Student Grievance (see the Formal Grievance section of the student handbook). A grievance is an educational matter, personal issue or condition that a student believes to be unfair, inequitable, and/or a hindrance to their education. A grievance may be filed for an alleged violation of campus policy or procedure that adversely impacts the student. In order for a grievance to be formally considered, actions against the student must have occurred in relation to an NUNM policy, procedure or established practice that were arbitrary, capricious, unequitable, bigoted, malicious or otherwise professionally inappropriate in nature. Due to the difficulty of pursuing details after many days or weeks have passed, students are encouraged to bring grievances forward as soon as possible. All grievances begin by consulting with the dean of students, director of the office of equity and inclusion, or an appointed administrative substitute if neither of those two people are available (appointments are made by the dean of students). Students should allow up to 10 business days to receive a response in writing or in person to their complaint or grievance. All proceedings conducted under this policy are closed. The student may bring a support person (not an attorney, as this is not a legal proceeding) to any proceeding if so desired, but such person is not permitted to participate in any part of the discussions. Exemptions from this policy: The following matters are not handled as student grievances within the scope of this policy, but may be directed for attention as follows:
· Grade appeals. Students may not file a grievance for a grade appeal, except when the student believes that the faculty has displayed unethical, illegal or improper conduct within the context of a grade given. For more on grade appeal processes, see the Grade Appeal Policy of the student handbook.
· Incidences of gender discrimination or (sexual) harassment. Sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or any complaint concerning gender discrimination are governed under the Gender Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy in the student handbook.
· Mistreatment or discrimination based on race color or national origin. These complaints are governed under the Office of Equity and Inclusion and should be directed there.
If a student is unsure of next steps for any grievance that falls under these exemptions, they may consult with the dean of students or director of the office of equity and inclusion for guidance.
Preamble
Students at NUNM have the right to an education free from prejudices, bigotry or other egregious actions or behaviors that hinder their ability to learn. NUNM is committed to effectively resolving student grievances through an efficient, fair and systematic process. This process is to be used when a student feels that decisions, differences, misunderstandings or problems that have arisen with faculty, staff, administration or other students have hindered their ability to learn or otherwise adversely
affected them. NUNM seeks to cultivate an academic environment that encourages tolerant, respectful and non-discriminatory behavior from all of its inhabitants. The purpose of NUNM’s Complaint and Resolution Policy is to resolve student grievances in a manner that allows for constructive relationships to be maintained across the institution, while ensuring that any violation of school policy and/or issues of harassment or discrimination are appropriately addressed and do not reoccur. The policy is designed to create an environment that responds promptly and with sensitivity to the needs of the accuser, respects the rights of the accused, and addresses the concerns of the community. All grievance records are private in nature and will be treated with the utmost discretion.
Informal process
NUNM values opportunities to exercise conflict resolution and self-advocacy skills, and recognizes both as foundational skills of professionalism. For this reason, any student with a NUNM-related problem involving academic or administrative policy, procedure, decision or conduct should make an attempt in good faith to resolve the problem through one or more discussions with the person or persons most directly involved. Any safety concerns should be brought to the attention of the dean of students, director of the office of equity and inclusion, or director of security. The student with the complaint may choose to enlist the assistance of another member of the campus community (e.g., a member of the faculty, student life, or a fellow student) to help support them through the process. If the problem cannot be resolved in this most direct way, the student should then seek the assistance of the administrator most directly involved (faculty member, school/college director, or other supervisor). If the complaint is still not resolved to the satisfaction of the student after discussion at these informal levels, the student may proceed to the formal grievance procedure
Formal Process
If, and only if, the student has made a good faith effort to resolve the matter in question and is dissatisfied with the outcome of the Informal Conflict Resolution process, the student may file a formal written grievance with the Office of Student Life. Grievances regarding the dean of students may be filed with the vice president of student engagement and innovation. Written grievances can be sent via email or in person, or through the online community reporting form to the dean of students and should include as much detail as possible, any existing evidence, and an outline of the desired outcome to bring satisfactory resolution.
The dean of students (or appointed designee) will consider the written account and determine whether the alleged incident is able to be grieved based on information and documentation provided by the student.
A grievance meets the appropriate threshold for a formal grievance procedure under the following examples:
· Inappropriate or unprofessional handling of a written NUNM policy, procedure or established practice
· Actions taken that are arbitrary, bigoted, capricious, malicious or otherwise egregiously unprofessional
If it is determined that the allegation meets the above standards, the dean of students will investigate the allegation or assign the grievance to the appropriate university official for resolution. The dean of students (or appointed administrative substitute) will advise the student of the decision in writing within five business days as to whether the issue will be investigated further.
The investigation process will include interviewing the student and respondent, and other factfinding actions as deemed appropriate. The designated official will report the outcome to the student no later than ten business days following the notice of investigation, not including weekends or established holidays, based on assessment of the information provided after receiving the grievance. In the unforeseen event the dean (or appointed administrative substitute) needs additional time to review the evidence, the dean (or appointed administrative substitute) will notify the student in writing of the deadline extension. After the investigation has concluded and a decision rendered in writing, all materials will be immediately returned to the dean of students to be placed in the appropriate files. Student conduct files are kept under strict confidentiality and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
Retaliation
No student will be penalized in any way for attempting to resolve problems in good faith through this procedure. By initiating and pursuing a grievance resolution, a student is obligated to proceed in candor and good faith at all times. Retaliation for attempting to resolve a conflict in a respectful manner is strictly forbidden at NUNM and is subject to severe sanctions.
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