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:
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