Office of Student Standards and Resolution

Dear WesternU Students, Faculty and Staff,

I am pleased to formally announce the establishment of a new administrative department within the Office of the Provost: The Student Standards and Resolution office, which will be led by Dr. Mirabelle Fernandes Paul, Vice Provost for Student Standards and Resolution.

The Student Standards and Resolution office will oversee Student Conduct and Professionalism and Student Appeals, providing University-wide leadership in the development and implementation of fair, consistent, and humanistic policies and processes governing student standards, conduct, and appeals. Grounded in Western University of Health Sciences’ longstanding commitment to humanism, integrity, and student success, this office will advance these values within the context of rigorous graduate health professions education. In partnership with various College and University offices, the Student Standards and Resolution Office will serve as an advocate for student wellness and safety, while functioning as a collaborative bridge connecting students to campus support services, resources, and safety networks.

Student Conduct and Professionalism will manage and facilitate all student conduct matters across the colleges, in alignment with the University’s conduct hearing procedures. Student Appeals will be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and adjudicating student appeals arising from academic and conduct decisions. Operating with impartiality and procedural integrity, both Student Conduct and Professionalism and Student Appeals are committed to ensuring that all students have access to fair, transparent, and consistent processes in accordance with University policies.

Dr. Fernandes Paul has served the University as a leader in Student Affairs both at the College and University level, Deputy Title IX coordinator, and in other roles supporting students for more than 12 years. In this new role, she will provide training, guidance, and consultation to University and College partners, oversee the respective sub-departments, and collaborate across the institution to strengthen our student standards, student professionalism development, and campus safety initiatives. Dr. Fernandes Paul is a member of the Association of Student Conduct Administration.

The establishment of the Student Standards and Resolution Office marks a meaningful step forward in our continued growth as a leader in graduate health professions education; one that reflects our collective commitment to shaping institutional culture, advancing best practices in student conduct and appeals, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

With warmest regards,

Paula M. Crone, DO
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Western University of Health Sciences