Skip to main content
UMass Collegiate M The University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Search UMass.edu
School of Public Health & Health Sciences School of Public Health & Health Sciences

Main navigation

  • Academics

    Academic programs

    BiostatisticsCommunity Health EducationEnvironmental Health SciencesEpidemiologyHealth Policy and ManagementKinesiologyNutritionProfessional ProgramsPublic Health SciencesSpeech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
    Graduate AdmissionsUMass AdmissionsFinancial aid and scholarshipsFaculty directoryCourses
  • Research
    Center for Community Health Equity ResearchCenter for Program EvaluationInstitute for Global Health
    Research news and highlightsResearch areasResearch centers and institutesResearch Administration Office (RAO)
  • Campus & Outreach
    Academic Dean & Office of Academic SuccessCenter for Language, Speech, and HearingOffice of Career PlanningOffice of Public Health Practice and OutreachSupport SPHHS
  • About
    AccreditationDiversity, Equity and InclusionNewsEventsDirectory
    Resources for current studentsResources for faculty & staffVisit usContact usSenior Recognition Ceremony

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Complaints, Disputes, and Resolutions


Filing a Complaint against a Preceptor

If a student has a dispute with a preceptor, the student should first seek advice and assistance from the program director. All efforts will be made to resolve the situation, including finding an alternative rotation site.

Filing a Complaint against the Program Director through UMass Amherst

If the student wishes to file a complaint against the program director, the student should first seek advice and assistance with the nutrition department chair, Dr. Lindiwe Sibeko. If resolution cannot be met, the student may file a formal complaint with ACEND (see policy and procedure below). All records of disputes, complaints, and resolutions will be maintained for a period of seven years within the Department of Nutrition at UMass Amherst.

The UMass Amherst Dietetic Internship abides by the University of Massachusetts Academic Grievance Procedure and Academic Honesty Policy. The link to these policies and procedures can be found at:

Academic Regulations

Academic Honesty Policy

The Ombuds Office is available to all members of the University community to help resolve University-related conflicts impartially and without judging, rewarding, or punishing parties. Depending on the problem, the Ombuds Office mediates disputes, facilitates communication, investigates claims of unfair treatment or erroneous procedure, listens, advises, and makes recommendations. The Ombuds Office provides information about and referral to grievance procedures. The Office also coordinates the hearing process for academic grievances and charges of academic dishonesty.

Some of the problems with which the Ombuds Office can offer advice or assistance to students in both tracks include: course/degree requirements; grade disputes; grading policy and practice; allegations of academic dishonesty; sexual, racial, and other types of harassment; delays in services or decisions; conflicts with instructors, employers, or administrative offices;
roommate/coworker/classroom conflicts; and other interpersonal disputes.

Records, contacts, and communication are normally confidential; in unusual circumstances (which are explained to clients) rare exceptions are made if required by law.

The Ombuds Office is located in 823 Campus Center, tel. 413-545-0867. Although not required, it is best to call to arrange a convenient time for an appointment.

Filing a Complaint against the Program Director through ACEND

ACEND® has established a process for reviewing complaints against accredited programs in order to fulfill its public responsibility for assuring the quality and integrity of the educational programs that it accredits. Any individual, for example, student, faculty, dietetics practitioner and/or member of the public may submit a complaint against any accredited program to ACEND®.

However, the ACEND® board does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admissions, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty or students. It acts only upon a signed allegation that the program may not be in compliance with the Accreditation Standards or policies. The complaint must be signed by the complainant. Anonymous complaints are not considered.

For more information and procedure on how to file a complaint with ACEND or to access the Complaint Investigation Form, go to: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/public-notices-and-announcements/filing-a-complaint

Navigation

‹ Previous | Up | Next ›

Book Navigation Links

UMass Amherst Dietetic Internship Program Policies and Procedures Manual
Brief Rotation Overview
UMass Amherst DI Program Schedule
Program Overview
DI Program Completion Requirements
Credit for Prior Learning
CastleBranch (secure data collection site)
Rotation Sites
Additional Internship Requirements
Performance Evaluations
Financial Information: Tuition and Fees
Additional Costs and Requirements
Student Status in Practice Facilities
Employment and Financial Aid
Travel Liability
Vacation, Holiday, and Absence Policies
Health Insurance and Immunization Policies
Illness or Injury During a Rotation
Complaints, Disputes, and Resolutions
Disciplinary and Termination Procedures
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
UMass Amherst Health and Support Services
Non-Discrimination Policy
Identity Verification and Privacy Protection Policies
Background Checks and Screenings
Drug Testing
Preceptor Training

  • Printer-friendly version

Site footer

School of Public Health & Health Sciences
  • X
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Find us on YouTube
  • Find us on LinkedIn
  • Find us on Instagram
Address

Arnold House
715 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003
United States

Academics

  • Explore our programs
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Certificate
  • Post Baccalaureate

Research

  • Research News
  • Research Areas
  • Research Centers & Institutes

The School

  • About SPHHS
  • News
  • Events
  • Directory
  • Visit
  • Contact

Info for...

  • Current students
  • Faculty & staff

Global footer

  • ©2025 University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Site policies
  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination notice
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use