Policy 6 - 14: STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Procedure – The purpose of the grievance procedure is to provide students at the College a process for resolving any concerns relative to their student rights. The grievance procedure has a specific number of days in each phase, which is to be understood as the maximum time before the next phase is initiated. However, the time limits may be extended up to five additional days by mutual agreement of the parties involved at each level of the grievance.

NOTE: The number of days in each step refers to class days not calendar days during fall and spring semesters only. Intersession and summer sessions are not considered class days for this purpose. During intersession and summer sessions, the term “days” shall mean business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).

1. Informal Resolution Process

a. The student may first discuss his/her grievance with the individual against
the grievance exists.

b. If the grievance is not resolved between the individuals involved, the
student may begin step two. This action must be taken within thirty days
of the original incident.

2. Initiation of Formal Academic or Social Grievance

Step One –

If the grievance is not resolved informally within seven days, the student shall formally and in writing present the grievance to the Center Director/Dean.

a. If the grievance is directed against a Center Director/Dean, the grievance shall be presented to the Vice President responsible for that area directly.

b. If the grievance is directed against a Vice President, the grievance shall be presented directly to the President.

c. If the grievance is directed against the President, the grievance shall be presented directly to the Board of Governors.

d. The student will receive a response to his/her grievance at step one within seven days.

Step Two –

If the grievance is not resolved by the Center Director/Dean (or other level when applicable) within seven days, the grievant shall formally and in writing present it to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for academic concerns and the Vice President of Administration and Finance for social issues. The Vice President must respond in writing within seven days with his/her decision to the grievant.

Step Three –

If the grievant is not satisfied with the resolution at Step Two, he/she may request formally and in writing to the President to convene a grievance appeal committee. The selection of the committee to hear a student grievance will be as needed. The College President will appoint neutral and objective individuals from the following representative groups:

Administrators ……...1 (acting as Director)
Faculty members…...1
Students……………..1

Each committee member will receive a written report of the grievance with the supporting statements and evidence. Within seven days after receiving the written grievance, the committee will hold a hearing and both the grievant and the individual against whom the grievance is directed will be given the opportunity to present and be heard. Within seven days after the hearing, the committee will inform the Director of its decision and the reasons for the decision, in writing. The Director will inform both parties of the committee’s decision in writing.

Step Four –

Within seven days of the grievance committee’s decision at Step Three, the grievant or the respondent may formally and in writing appeal the decision to the College President. That appeal is to be accompanied by the original grievance and copies of all subsequent written statements, evidence, and decisions. The President will make his/her decision known to all parties within seven days after receiving the appeal.

NOTE:

The grievant may withdraw his/her grievance at any phase of the process provided that all concerned parties are notified in writing.

View List of Policies and Procedures