DPT Handbook & Policies

The public or any other stakeholder of the Johnson & Wales University Doctor of Physical Therapy (JWU DPT) Program has the right to file a complaint and receive due process, without fear of reprisal or retaliation. According to Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards, this is referred to as a “complaint which falls outside the realm of due process.” The JWU DPT Program, Johnson & Wales University and Johnson & Wales University’s College of Health & Wellness encourages any individual who is unhappy with their experience or encounter with any student, faculty or staff member to file a written complaint. The school takes all program-related complaints seriously and will act upon any complaint in an expedient manner, as outlined below. Once a written complaint has been made, the JWU DPT Program Director will gather information and address the complaint. Any complaint and documentation associated with the resolution of “complaints which fall outside the realm of due process” will be kept on file in the DPT Program Director’s files for a period of not less than 5 years.

Complaints by students as part of the normal operation of the JWU DPT Program will follow individual and respective policies and procedures outlined in the JWU DPT Program’s Student Complaints & Appeals Policy, which can be found in the Handbook and on the DPT program’s ulearn site. Faculty and staff should follow the procedures outlined by the university’s Equity & Compliance Services under Reporting Options.

“Complaints Which Fall Outside the Realm of Due Process” must be submitted in writing using the JWU DPT Complaint Form found in the Handbook.

Complaints should be addressed to:

Program Director Paul A. Ullucci, Jr.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Johnson & Wales University
8 Abbott Park Place Providence, RI 02903

Procedures for Handling a “Complaint Which Falls Outside the Realm of Due Process”

When possible, the DPT Program Director will discuss the complaint directly with the party or parties involved within 14 business days. If at all possible, the matter will be reconciled at this point. If needed, the JWU DPT Program Director will meet with all parties separately and may schedule a joint appointment with the two parties in order to attempt to resolve the issue. A letter from the JWU DPT Program Director acknowledging the resolution of the complaint will be filed and a copy sent to the complainant at the address indicated in their complaint.

If dissatisfied with the action or decision made by the JWU DPT Program Director, or if the complaint is against the JWU DPT Program Director, the involved party may submit a written complaint or appeal to the Dean of the College of Health & Wellness. A letter outlining the resolution by the Dean shall be filed with the complaint in the JWU DPT Program Director’s office for a period of 5 years.

Dean Maura Iverson
College of Health & Wellness
Johnson & Wales University
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903

If the complainant believes that additional internal review is necessary, they may contact the Johnson & Wales University Provost as the final step in the complaint process within Johnson & Wales University.

Outside of the university, a complaint can also be filed with the physical therapy accrediting body:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314