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Process for Filing a Complaint

For complaints about the program

Please send an email to pt@uca.edu with subject line: Grievance.

The Department of Physical Therapy procedure for handling grievances by the general public that fall outside of due process as outlined in UCA policies is as follows:

  1. The party wishing to file a grievance should submit a detailed written explanation of the grievance to the DPT Department Chairperson. The description of the complaint should be as detailed as possible and should include the names of all involved parties, dates of the incident(s), and any actions taken since the incident(s).
  2. Upon receiving the written grievance, the Department Chairperson will discuss the complaint directly with the complainant within 7 days from the date that the grievance was filed.
  3. Based on the discussion with the complainant, the Department Chairperson will develop a written plan to investigate and address the complainant’s concerns. This written plan will be sent to the complainant.
  4. If the complainant is satisfied with the written plan, a letter from the Department Chairperson acknowledging the resolution of the complaint will be filed with the complaint in the Department Chairperson’s office and a copy will be sent to the complainant.
  5. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the written plan developed by the Department Chairperson or if the complaint is related to the Department Chairperson, the complainant will be encouraged to submit a written grievance up the chain of command, beginning with the Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
  6. A copy of the grievance and all written plans for resolution will be kept on file in the Department Chairperson’s office for a period of up to 5 years from when the complaint was filed.

If the complaint is against the Department Chairperson, the third party may submit the grievance directly to the Dean of the College of Health & Behavioral Sciences.  This policy does not replace or supercede the normal due process afforded to faculty, staff, and students as outlined in the University Handbooks.

For Current Students

Current students may refer to the UCA Student Handbook and the DPT Student Handbook for information.  Complaints about the program may be provided to class officers, the Student Advisory Committee, the Department Chairperson, or the Dean of College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS Dean’s office; Integrated Health Sciences building, Suite 200; 501-450-3123).

Regarding Clinical Education

Students and Clinical Faculty can refer to the DPT Handbook regarding complaints.  Clinical faculty or students with concerns regarding clinical education should bring those concerns to the attention of the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) at (501) 450-5543. Clinical faculty or students with concerns/complaints regarding clinical education needing assistance beyond the DCE should contact the Department Chairperson (501) 450-3611. Individuals needing assistance beyond the Department Chairperson may submit concerns/grievances to the Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (501) 450-3123.

Regarding Accreditation

Individuals may contact CAPTE to file a complaint.  The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org.