Student Complaint and Hearing Process
Students have the right to express concern if they believe to have been treated unfairly, subjected to harassment, or discriminated against. The student complaint and hearing process provides a means to express such concern, request some form of relief, and receive an objective hearing. Student complaints are categorized in two ways:
- Those arising out of an academic decision, primarily, the assignment of a final grade.
- Those unrelated to an academic decision.
You are encouraged to use the complaint and hearing process when you believe it is necessary to do so. The right to complain, however, is accompanied by the responsibility to act with integrity. As such, it is inappropriate to file unfounded complaints against a student or staff person. Members of the college staff can assist you in deciding if filing a complaint is an appropriate step.
Student Complaints Arising out of Academic Decisions — Academic decisions are defined as those actions that affect the student’s academic standing at the college. Primarily, but not exclusively, these actions involve the assignment of a final grade.
Students have the right to express their concerns regarding the fair treatment of their academic achievements, keeping in mind that faculty have complete and sole responsibility for determining and issuing academic credit and final grades.
The following procedure should be used to appeal an academic decision.
- Express your concerns to your instructor: Try to resolve the situation informally.
- If Step 1 does not resolve your concerns, you may appeal in writing to the faculty member’s dean, using the Academic Complaint form that is available in any academic subdivision office.
Remember that complaints must be initiated within 20 college days of the occurrence of the alleged violation.
The dean will thoroughly investigate your concerns and communicate the faculty member’s decision in writing, normally within 40 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.
- If you are not satisfied after your appeal to the dean, you may continue the appeal to the vice president of Academic Affairs in writing within 10 college days.
The vice president will investigate your concerns. This investigation may involve the convening of a committee to consider the appeal. Once completed, the vice president will communicate in writing the faculty member’s final decision, normally within 70 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.
The decision made after the investigation by the vice president of Academic Affairs will be final.
Note: A college day is defined as any day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, breaks in the academic year or any holiday recognized by the college.
Student Complaints Unrelated to Academic Decisions — If a student has a complaint about the conduct of an instructor, member of the staff, another student, or about any aspect of college operations (for example, admission, refunds, withdrawal, parking), the complaint shall be handled according to the following procedure. (This procedure does not apply to allegations of sexual harassment, for which a separate process exists.)
- When appropriate, express your concerns to the person immediately responsible. Attempt to resolve the complaint informally at this level.
- If Step 1 does not resolve your concerns, you may file a complaint in writing to the dean of Students and Compliance Officer, using the Non-Academic Complaint Form available from the Code of Conduct Office (U115) or from the office of the vice president of Student Development (D201).
Remember that complaints must be initiated within 20 college days of the occurrence of the action being grieved.
The dean of Students and Compliance Officer will refer your complaint to the administrator responsible for the area of concern. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and you will be provided with a written determination, normally within 40 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.
- If resolution of your concerns does not occur, you may ask the vice president of Student Development to review your complaint. You have 10 college days, after receiving the written determination, to request further review.
The vice president of Student Development will either address the complaint directly or refer it to the vice president responsible for the area of concern. The appropriate vice president will conduct an investigation and communicate a written decision to you, normally within 70 college days of the written complaint’s initiation. The action of the vice president is final.
Note: A college day is defined as any day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, breaks in the academic year or any holiday recognized by the college.