In the event of a student dispute, the Academic Manager and the Executive Director will be notified and a formal dispute procedure will be launched if needed. Conflicts or disputes may include academic expectations (interpretation of assignments and coursework), Clinical Placement/Practicum evaluation, financial difficulties, harassment, evaluation of personal behaviour, participation, and/or requests for support and assistance.

1. This policy governs complaints from students respecting CiiAT – The Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy and any aspect of its operations.
2. A student who makes or is otherwise involved in a complaint will not be subject to any form of retaliation by the institution at any time.
3. The process by which the student complaint will be handled is as follows:
   • Both students and teachers are encouraged to resolve disputes with the individuals involved. This should be treated as an opportunity to learn and practice skills as part of therapeutic training. The disputed issue should be identified and dealt with within the week that it is brought forward.
   • If the dispute cannot be resolved, the parties involved are responsible for contacting the Academic Manager ([email protected]) to facilitate a resolution. The Executive Director and Clinical Director will be consulted to determine if further escalation is required.
   • If the dispute is still not resolved, the student can send a written submission of the complaint to the Program Advisory Committee Representative (Laurie Ness Gordon, [email protected]). If this Program Advisory Representative is absent or named in the complaint, the alternate contact will be Angelique Benois, [email protected]. The student should submit the written submission within a maximum of 7 days of the identified problem.
   • The Program Advisory Committee will request written submissions describing the problem from all other parties concerned within 7 days.
   • The Program Advisory Committee will review the submissions and conduct investigations. The Chairperson (Laurie Ness Gordon, [email protected]) may appoint another committee member to conduct the investigation. It is mandatory that this person should not be an employee, graduate, or faculty member of the Institute.
   • The Program Advisory Committee will provide the Board with a written decision with clearly articulated reasoning. All parties involved will be informed in writing of the final decision and (if any) reconsideration upon approval. The delivery of this decision should not exceed 30 days of the initial dispute.
   • If it becomes impossible for the Program Advisory Committee to reach an equitable decision that is both workable and can be respected by all parties, then an outside Mediator will be hired by the Institution. The Institution will pay for a maximum 2-hour mediation session with all applicable parties. The mediator’s decision will be final.
   • The written reasons for the final decision will advise a student that if the student is dissatisfied with the determination and has been misled by the institution regarding any significant aspect of that program, the student may file a complaint with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). Complaints must be filed with PTIB within one year of a student’s completion, dismissal, or withdrawal from the program.