Admissions complaint and appeals policy
CICM is committed to ensuring that all decisions on admissions are fair, transparent and conducted according to our agreed policies and procedures and to this end the College has adopted the following appeals and complaints policy. No applicant shall be prejudiced or disadvantaged by using this policy.
This policy and these procedures form a part of the College’s Admissions Policy.
1.0 Appeals
1.1 An appeal is defined as a request for reconsideration of a decision to reject an application. The College will not normally alter a rejection decision but should a rejected applicant consider that either:
- The College has not adhered to its own policies or procedures or is in breach of any national policies or relevant legal requirements: or-
- There is evidence of bias or prejudice against the applicant
Then he or she is entitled to ask for a review of the decision to reject.
2.0 Complaints
2.1 A complaint may be about: the administration of an application or perception that a College procedure or relevant legal requirement has not been correctly implemented or adhered to when dealing with an application.
3.0 Procedure
3.1 An applicant wishing to lodge an appeal or to complain should do so, in writing, to the College Registrar. Complaints or appeals will only be considered from the applicant and not from any third party.
- An applicant wishing to lodge an appeal should do so within 21 days of the date of the email informing him or her of the decision on his or her application.
- An applicant wishing to make a complaint should do so within 21 days of the matter concerning the complaint.
3.2 If an appeal or complaint is lodged, the College Dean will contact the applicant to acknowledge receipt of the appeal or complaint. The College will endeavour to deal with any appeal or complaint in a timely manner. The applicant will be kept informed of the progress of his or her appeal or complaint if the period of investigation is likely to exceed 30 working days.
3.3 The Dean will investigate the circumstances of the appeal or complaint consulting relevant staff. In certain circumstances the results of the investigation may be passed to Joint Principal - Education for a ruling.
3.4 During the course of the investigation, the applicant may be asked to provide further information on, or clarification of, any points made in his or her initial correspondence.
4.0 Outcomes
4.1 Appeals
Should the investigation establish that a decision to reject was made in breach of any University policy or procedure or of any national policy or law or if there is evidence of bias or prejudice against the applicant, the application will be reconsidered. Should the reconsideration result in a decision to admit the applicant (subject to any conditions being met), but at such a time in the cycle that the original entry point is not possible, a suitable alternative entry point will be offered.
4.2 Should the investigation determine that the original decision be upheld, the applicant will be informed accordingly with a statement as to why the appeal has been rejected.
4.3 Complaints
4.4 The investigation of a complaint will result in either the complaint being rejected or upheld wholly or in part. Should a complaint be rejected, the applicant will be informed accordingly with a statement as to why the complaint has been rejected.
4.5 If the investigation determines that the complaint be upheld in whole or in part, an apology will be issued to the applicant. Should the findings suggest that changes to procedures or policies are appropriate, this will be stated in any correspondence to the applicant.
4.6 Students will also be informed that they are able to contact the Office of Independent Adjudicators to have their complaint formally and independently reviewed.
5.0 Further consideration
5.1 Should an applicant be dissatisfied with the outcome of an appeal or complaint, he or she should write to the Joint Principal stating the reasons for his or her dissatisfaction and the outcome he or she was seeking. The Joint Principal in conjunction with a member of the Governing Body will investigate the appeal or complaint.
5.2 The decision of the Joint Principal and the member of the Governing Body is final. Once this decision has been communicated to the applicant, no further correspondence will be entered into regarding this application.
-
-
"I love the teaching at CICM, it is varied, interesting and extremely inspiring and the teachers all have a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Keeley Farrington
-
“CICM was suggested by an acupuncturist I know and recommended for its high-quality tuition and professional approach. I knew I wanted to explore a degree course and after my open day experience I knew it had to be CICM.”
Michelle Patrick
-
"I recently joined CICM and there are so many things I love about the place. The teachers are genuinely helpful and want us to do well. The place has a calm, harmonic feel and studying has already had a tangible benefit to my lifestyle and health."
Erica Chen
-
"I was an electrician before I started studying acupuncture. It might not seem like it but there are overlaps between them, you look at a circuit and work out where the problem is coming from and then rectify it. The difference is with acupuncture I’ll help people to get better!"
Jack Keeping
-
"Since embarking on this course, I have been astounded every day by the passion that this subject has sparked in me. I realised very quickly that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. I can only describe it as finally finding my place in the universe and becoming part of something much bigger than myself."
Sally Connelly
-
"I wanted to become an acupuncturist as I prefer to use natural remedies which are in line with my faith and cultural background. I have witnessed the profound effects treatment can have on patients. CICM has an excellent reputation and I love the whole package here, especially the staff and supportive teachers."
Bev Holder
-
"I appreciated the integrated style of TCM and the five elements as being the most profound way to reach and help people. This was the best possible start to a long acupuncture career that I could possibly wish for."
Bethan Morgan
-
"My years at CICM will always hold a special place in my mind. It was like entering Hogwarts. The subjects are mind-expanding, the teachers and tutors really passionate and always keen to answer questions and give guidance. It has transformed me as a person and changed the way I see people, emotions, relationships, disease and health."
Efthymios Fotenios
-
The teachers are really supportive and make every effort to tailor how they teach to suit the different styles of students. I like to question things and look at things from different angles - and the teachers have always supported me by being there to answer things by email after class, recommend further reading, or even being there to support me when I set up a Chinese medicine society for the college.
Helen Reid
-
The course covers a huge range of topics, angles and perspectives, and whilst so much of it is new, unfamiliar and challenging at times- especially the 'hands on practical aspects- I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, or anywhere else I’d rather be doing it. CICM is a hub of connection, commitment and energy, and something I am honoured to be part of.
Ellie Farnfield
-
All of my teachers are practicing therapists with a library of information and experience to reinforce their words and the lectures. I have gained a lot of insight into myself and I often find myself reflecting on what we learned in class and applying it to life. I am recommending the course to everyone I know!
Jacob Marley
-
As I was in my late forties I was concerned that I was too old, however the Open Day dispelled any doubts that I had as the age range of students and staff spanned from 18 to 80. The beautiful building was a joy to explore and I felt immersed in the world of Chinese Medicine. It was a cocoon of learning in the heart of Reading and only ten minutes’ walk from the train station.
Samanthan Roderick
