Resolution through direct contact

Whenever possible, students should first seek to resolve the issue in question by directly contacting the other party. Either in writing or verbally, specifically describe the concern or source of conflict as well as the desired resolution.

In cases where direct contact is inappropriate or does not resolve the situation, students should use one of the channels below.

Channels for reporting complaints and grievances

The types of concerns are described below in the relevant sections. Students should select the channel that seems most appropriate to the situation.

Once a concern is addressed, students may not always know the outcome. However, when appropriate, information regarding the resolution of an investigation may be shared.

Some reports may be made anonymously, others may not. In cases where anonymity is permitted, if the person reporting the complaint chooses to remain anonymous, any investigation will be based on the information reported and may limit any action taken.

For academic concerns, please see Academic Concerns Form on the Academic Affairs page of the Mitchell Hamline website.

A. Disability discrimination grievance

Disability Discrimination Grievance Form  

Process steps can be found in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law has adopted the Disability Discrimination Grievance Process Policy to provide prompt and equitable resolution of grievances alleging action prohibited by the ADA and/or Section 504. Any student who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability or have been denied access or accommodations required by law, may submit a Preliminary Disability Grievance Form to diabilityservices@mitchellhamline.edu or to the Director of Disability and Student Services, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 875 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105

If the grievance is against the Director of Disability and Student Services, students should instead submit the form to the Dean of Students.

B. Bias incident reporting

Bias Incident Reporting Form  

Process steps can be found in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog

Bias Incident refers to unintentional or intentional action taken that one could reasonably conclude is motivated, in whole or in part, by the alleged offender’s bias against an actual or perceived aspect of one’s protected class, including actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial (or parental) status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status or any other protected class defined by law. Bias incidents include expressions of all kinds, which could include, but are not limited to, words, actions, signs, or symbols.

Students who wish to report a bias incident may do so via the Bias Incident Reporting Form. Students may choose to remain anonymous when submitting a bias incident report.

Definitions, reporting procedures, and more information can be found in the Bias Incident Policy in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog.

C. Non-discrimination and non-harassment policy

Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Reporting Process  
Mitchell Hamline School of Law is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination or harassment. Accordingly, discrimination or harassment perpetrated on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial (or parental) status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status or any other protected class defined by law (“discrimination or harassment”) is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Reports of discrimination or harassment can be made online via the Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment/Discrimination/Harassment Reporting Form. Reports may be made anonymously; however, the reporter is encouraged to provide as much information as possible. Because of the nature of anonymous reports, the School may be limited in its ability to investigate and respond to an anonymous report.

Definitions, reporting procedures, and more information can be found on the Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy page of the Mitchell Hamline Catalog.

D. Student code of conduct

Student Code of Conduct Reporting Process  

As responsible members of the community, Mitchell Hamline School of Law students are expected to maintain the highest ideals of academic, professional, and social conduct. Students are expected to respect the views and personal dignity of other members of the law school community. They are responsible for knowing and abiding by the rules and policies published in the Catalog.

Any person may initiate a disciplinary proceeding under the rules outlined in the Student Code of Conduct by sending the Dean, by email, a signed, written complaint. In the complaint, the Complainant shall state the essential facts alleged to constitute a violation of the Code, including (a) the name of the student alleged to have committed the violation (the “Respondent”), (b) the specific allegation(s), and (c) the factual basis for the allegation(s).

E. Sex discrimination and sexual misconduct

Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form  

Process steps and more reporting procedures and may be found in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog

Mitchell Hamline prohibits Sexual Misconduct, i.e., misconduct based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression. The School prohibits all forms of Sexual Misconduct against Employees, Students, and Third Parties. The Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy (Student Respondent) and the Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy (Employee or Third Part Respondent) are meant to give Mitchell Hamline a means of providing a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints of Sexual Misconduct and Sex Discrimination.

Reports of Sexual Misconduct or Sex Discrimination can be made online via the Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment/Discrimination/Harassment Reporting Form. Reports may be made anonymously; however, the reporter is encouraged to provide as much information as possible. Because of the nature of anonymous reports, the School may be limited in its ability to investigate and respond to an anonymous report. All reports will be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator.

More information about reporting sexual misconduct may also be found here

F. Title IX—sexual harassment reporting

Title IX Reporting Form  

Process steps and more reporting procedures may be found in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog

Mitchell Hamline does not discriminate, and is prohibited by Title IX from discriminating, on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities, including in admission and employment, that it operates. As such, Mitchell Hamline is committed to responding to complaints of Sexual Harassment, including Sexual Assault, Stalking, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and related retaliation.

The Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy (Student Respondent) and Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy (Employee or Third Party Respondent) are meant to give Mitchell Hamline a means of providing a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of complaints of sexual harassment.

Reports of sexual harassment can be made online via the Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment/Discrimination/Harassment Reporting Form. Reports may be made anonymously; however, the reporter is encouraged to provide as much information as possible. All reports will be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator.

Because it is required that a Formal Complaint must be signed by the Complainant or otherwise indicate the Complainant’s identity, an anonymous complaint will not trigger Mitchell Hamline’s Formal or Informal Grievance processes. Mitchell Hamline is not obligated to investigate an anonymous report, unless a Formal Complaint is submitted per this Policy.

Anyone who wishes to obtain confidential assistance from outside Mitchell Hamline may also consider contacting SOS Ramsey County at 651-266-1000.

More information about reporting sexual misconduct may also be found here.

G. Hate crime policy

Hate Crime Reporting Process  

Hate Crimes are criminal acts—or attempted criminal acts—against an individual or group of individuals because of their actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, age, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or veteran status or any other protected classes defined by law.

Anyone who believes that they are the victim of a hate crime or have been physically threatened, or if they believe they have witnessed a hate crime or have witnessed someone being physically threatened, whether on or off campus, should call 9-1-1 or Campus Security. Students may make this call anonymously. Campus Security is available by calling 651-290-6330 or 612-224-8763.

Definitions, reporting procedures, and more information can be found in the Hate Crime Policy in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog. More about the Hate Crime investigation process can be found here.

H. Other avenues for student complaints

Students who have complaints may also contact Dean of Students Lynn LeMoine directly at lynn.lemoine@mitchellhamline.edu.

For more information on student complaints and other avenues, please see the Student Complaints page of the Mitchell Hamline Catalog.

I. Additional resources

Contact	Details	Notes
Lynn LeMoine Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator	Lynn.Lemoine @mitchellhamline.edu Office: 651-695-7668 Cell: 612-447-8839	Not confidential; information shared on need-to-know basis
Mike Freer Director of Human Resources Deputy Title IX Coordinator	Mike.Freer@mitchellhamline.edu	Confidential; information shared on need-to-know basis
Jim Hilbert Director of Human Resources Deputy Title IX Coordinator	Jim.Hilbert@mitchellhamline.edu	Not Confidential; information shared on need-to-know basis
Christine Szaj Vice President for Institutional Management Title IX Coordinator	Christine.Szaj @mitchellhamline.edu	Not confidential; information shared on need-to-know basis
Michael Birchard Vice President Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion	651-695-7727 Michael.Birchard@mitchellhamline.edu	Not confidential; information shared on need-to-know basis
MH Counseling Services	651-290-8656 counseling@mitchellhamline.edu Website	Confidential counseling services for students
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL)	651-646-5590 or Toll-free: 1-888-243-5744	Confidential assistance is available 24/7 from Lawyers Mention that you are calling for LCL

Distance Learning Students

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is an approved institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is authorized to operate in all SARA member states. As a participant in SARA, Mitchell Hamline School of Law follows the SARA Student Complaint Resolution Process in addressing the complaints of distance education students from SARA member states.

Students with complaints concerning JD programs should contact Lynn LeMoine at lynn.lemoine@mitchellhamline.edu.

Students with complaints concerning Dispute Resolution Institute programs should contact Kitty Atkins at kitty.atkins@mitchellhamline.edu.

Students with complaints concerning Health Law Institute programs should contact Barbara Colombo at barbara.colombo@mitchellhamline.edu.

If you believe further action is necessary, you may contact the Minnesota State Agency entity:

Betsy Talbot
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55108
651.259.3965
Betsy.Talbot@state.mn.us
Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Or, you may wish to contact the office of higher education in the state where you live:

Student Complaint Information by State and Agency

California is not a member of SARA. Students who reside in California and wish to file a complaint may contact the agency listed below:

California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
PO Box 980818
W. Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education
Student Complaint Form

Grades and Student Conduct

Disputes regarding grades and student conduct violations fall outside the SARA complaint process and are governed entirely by the law school’s policy and Minnesota law.

American Bar Association Accreditation

Many of the policies and procedures in the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Catalog  are published and crafted in accordance with the American Bar Association’s Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools (see ABA Standards).

Students who have concerns or complaints regarding a significant problem which directly implicates the law school’s program of legal education and/or its compliance with the Standards are encouraged to write to:

Office of the Dean of Students
Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Suite 119
875 Summit Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105

The specific problem(s) and the manner in which compliance with the Standards is questioned should be clearly articulated. The Dean of Students will address the issue by convening a meeting of the administrator(s) and/or faculty members with principal responsibility for maintaining compliance with the standard in question. In the event that the administrator with principal responsibility for the standard is the Dean of Students, the question will be referred to the President and Dean.

Students who issue a complaint will receive a response from the institution within 45 days of receipt of the complaint. In the event it is determined that corrective action is required, all necessary steps will be taken as swiftly as possible and, unless the nature of the issue requires a longer timeline, in all cases the corrective action will be taken within one year. A record of complaints, including the resolution of each, will be maintained in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Students with a complaint may also wish to contact:

Betsy Talbot
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55108
651.259.3965
Betsy.Talbot@state.mn.us
Minnesota Office of Higher Education

J. Whistleblower policy

In cases of observed or suspected misconduct, students can complete a Whistleblower Report Form, which may be submitted anonymously to Human Resources, Vice President of Finance, or the President and Dean by sending or submitting a sealed envelope addressed to the appropriate person at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 875 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. However, it should be understood that any investigation may be hampered or be impracticable if the Reporting Person cannot be identified and questioned about the incident and related facts. More information may be found in the Mitchell Hamline Catalog.