Grievance Process Overview
In order to maintain a harmonious and cooperative environment between and among the college and its students, the college provides for the settlement of problems and differences through an orderly grievance procedure. Every student shall have the right to present their problems or grievances free from coercion, restraint, discrimination or reprisal. This policy provides for prompt and orderly consideration and determination of student problems and grievances by college administrators and ultimately the President.
A grievance is any matter of student concern or dissatisfaction within the college’s control except: (a) student discipline matters regarding academic and non-academic violations pursuant to Policy 6.22: Student Code of Conduct; (b) discrimination and unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence pursuant to Policy 6.23: Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment); (c) a grade appeal pursuant to Policy 6.27: Grade Appeal); or (d) any other matter that has a specific grievance process outlined in college policy.
Grievances shall be processed according to the following rules:
1. If at any stage of the grievance the grievant does not take the next step within the time allotted,
the grievance shall be settled in the manner recommended or decided by the administration
at the last step.
2. All reference to number of days in this procedure shall be determined to mean college working
days. In the event a grievance is not filed or processed in the manner and within the time set
forth above, it shall be forever barred.
3. The grievant may withdraw the grievance at any level.
Informal Grievance -Step One
In the event the alleged grievance lies with an instructor/staff member, the grievant must first go to that instructor/staff member and attempt to informally resolve the matter. Both the grievant and instructor/staff member must have an informal conference to discuss the situation and document the attempts taken to resolve the grievance at this level. In the event that the grievant is unsatisfied with the resolution reached at the informal conference, they may proceed to Step Two within five (5) days after the informal conference. Not proceeding to Step Two within the time period specified will result in the grievance not being heard and the matter being closed.
In the event that more time is necessary to conduct an investigation and/or review the matter, the Vice President may extend all deadlines as necessary.
If the grievance concerns issues unrelated to a particular instructor/staff member (for example, an issue with College policy), the grievant should contact the Vice President, Student Services to proceed with the informal process.
Formal Grievance - Step Two
If the grievance is not resolved at Step One, the grievant may file a written grievance with the Vice President, Student Services (“Vice President”). The written grievance must contain, with specificity, the facts supporting the grievance and the attempt, if applicable, to resolve the grievance at the informal level. The Vice President shall review the written grievance and conduct whatever further investigation, if any, is necessary to determine any additional facts that are needed to resolve the grievance. The Vice President shall provide their written decision within ten (10) days after receipt of the grievance.
In the event that more time is necessary to conduct an investigation and/or review the matter, the Vice President may extend all deadlines as necessary.In the event the grievant is unsatisfied with the resolution reached by the Vice President, they may proceed to Step Three within five (5) days after receipt of the Vice President’s written determination. Not proceeding to Step Three within the time period will result in the grievance not being heard and the matter being closed.If the grievance is against the Vice President, Student Services, the President will perform the functions of the Vice President, Student Services, as required by this policy.
Appeal Step Three
If the grievant is not satisfied with the Vice President’s determination, the grievant may appeal to the President. The appeal must be in writing, must provide a written summary of the specific facts and must contain any other documentation pertinent to the matter. The President or the President’s designee will conduct an “on the record” review and conduct any further investigation that is necessary to ascertain the facts needed to make a determination. The President or the President’s designee may, at their discretion, establish a committee to further investigate the matter and make a recommendation to the President or the President’s designee.
At the conclusion of the investigation and not later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of the student’s appeal, the President or the President’s designee shall provide a written decision to the student.
The President’s or the President’s designee’s decision shall be final.