Procedure 2605

Student Grievance

This procedure applies to all student grievances unless otherwise made inapplicable or modified by any other procedure such as, in the former case, Procedure #2666, Student Appeal of Grades, and in the latter case, Procedure #2627, Hazing.

A student who believes they have been aggrieved by college actions has the opportunity for appeal. These concerns should be resolved in a manner that is fair to all parties involved. The student's right to grievance shall be forfeited if the complaint is not addressed within the specified time frames.

Article I: Definitions

The following are definitions of terms or phrases contained within this document:

• 1. Days - Working days exclusive of official holidays as identified in the college catalog; all timelines may be extended by mutual agreement of involved parties.
  
  
• 2. Complaint - Student complaint.
  
  
• 3. Hearing Committee - A college committee charged with the responsibility to advise the college president on grievances involving non-academic standards.
  
  
• 4. Dean of Student Services - College administrator designated by the president for oversight and administration of non-academic grievances within the Student Grievance Procedure.
  
  
• 5. Vice President of Instructional Services - College administrator designated by the President for oversight and administration of academic grievances within the Student Grievance Procedure.
  
  
• 6. Non-Academic Standards - All institutional actions exclusive of academic standards.
  
  
• 7. Academic Standards - All institutional actions related to academic and instructional activities.
  
  

Article II: Administration of Student Grievance Procedure

When a complaint arises, the following procedures will be followed.

• 1. The student has ten working days from an alleged incident to meet with the college personnel involved to informally resolve the complaint. During this meeting, both parties will attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.
  
  
• If the student believes this meeting did not resolve the complaint, step 2 may be initiated within ten working days of step 1.
  
  
• 2. A written statement of grievance may be filed with the appropriate supervisor accompanied by supporting evidence. Within five working days of receiving the grievance, the supervisor will meet with the student and employee to attempt to resolve the complaint.
  
  
• Within five working days, the supervisor will respond to the student in writing, giving reason for the decision reached.
  
  
• If the student believes this meeting did not resolve the complaint, step 3 may be initiated within ten working days of receiving the written response.
  
  
• 3. The written grievance may be submitted to the appropriate administrator. If the grievance is non-academic in nature, the Dean of Student Services or designee is the appropriate administrator. If the grievance is academic in nature, the Vice President for Instructional Services or designee is the appropriate administrator. A meeting will be scheduled with all parties involved, and the appropriate administrator will supply a written response within five (5) working days of the meeting. This decision will include the reason(s) for the response.
  
  
• If the student believes the meeting did not resolve the complaint, step 4 may be initiated within ten (10) working days of receiving the written response.
  
  
• 4. A written grievance may be submitted to the president. The president may appoint an institutional committee consisting of one administrator, one faculty member, and one classified staff member to hear the grievance. The committee will forward their findings to the president for consideration within five working days following the meeting. The president will then have the option of forwarding the committee's findings to the student within five working days. Should the president not elect to form an institutional committee, the president will schedule a meeting of all parties involved. Within five working days following the meeting, a written decision will be provided to the student. The decision of the president is final.
  
  

[Based on Policy #1430; Rev 6/8/95, 11/01, 6/11/04]