Student Grievance & Disciplinary Proceedings Resolution Process

Student Grievance Policy

When a student believes that a condition exists which is in violation of his or her rights, College policies, rules, standards, or procedures, he or she has the right to file a grievance.

A grievance may be categorized as follows:

1. Academic Concerns
   • Academic Dishonesty
   • Academic Suspension
   • Educational Guarantee
   • Grade Appeals
   • Graduation Requirements
   • Other academic concerns
2. Americans With Disabilities Act (accommodations)
3. Discrimination (age, disability, gender, race)
4. Financial Aid Suspension
5. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (confidentiality)
6. Sexual Harassment (by students, staff, or faculty)
7. Student Conduct
8. Student Employment
9. Tuition Refunds
10. Others not represented above

A grievance may be resolved through either an informal or formal process. Informal or formal hearings and resolution of complaints will be conducted in a prompt and fair manner without fear of retribution.

Formal hearings are conducted by the College's Student Judicial Board or by a special committee appointed by the President.

The College student grievance process, although encouraged in resolving grievance issues, is not mandatory. Students may seek alternatives in resolving grievances.

Procedures for filing a grievance follow below.

Disciplinary Proceedings Policy

If a student, faculty, or staff member feels that a condition exists in which a student's behavior is unsatisfactory or is in violation of College policies, rules, standards, or procedures, he or she may file a grievance against a student.

Initiation Of Grievance Or Disciplinary Proceedings

Every attempt will be made to resolve grievances or problems at the point of origin.

Informal Resolution Process:

First: Contact the faculty or staff member involved at the point of origin or the appropriate administrator to resolve the matter.

Second: Contact the coordinator, director, dean or other appropriate administrator responsible for the area to resolve the matter.

Third: Contact the Vice President over the area. In all cases where appropriate, grievances/complaints will be investigated by the appropriate administrators or third party.

If resolution of the grievance or disciplinary charge is reached informally, a written agreement (if deemed appropriate) outlining the provisions of the resolution and indicating that he or she was aware of but waived the right to a formal resolution must be signed by the student.

Except for grade appeals, a student has the right to bypass the informal process and request a formal hearing. In cases of academic dishonesty and academic suspension, the College has the right to bypass the informal process. If a student grievance or disciplinary problem cannot be resolved at the informal level, a formal hearing of the Judicial Board or special committee appointed by the President may be convened.

Formal Resolution Process

A formal hearing before the Student Judicial Board or Special Committee appointed by the President may occur at the request of a student, faculty or staff member.

Formal hearings must be coordinated through a Vice President or Director of Personnel.The Executive Assistant to the President and College Counsel will convene the Judicial Board or Special Committee.

Student Resolution Process Chart

(Contact Individuals Listed in Sequential Order)

Formal Hearing Procedure

The general rules governing a formal hearing include:

1. A Request for a Formal Hearing Form shall be completed and delivered to the appropriate administrative officer. (Refer to the Resolution Process Chart.) Forms are available in Student Development and Services, Personnel, and academic offices. See sample, page 9.
2. The administrative staff member will notify the Executive Assistant to the President and Legal Counsel that a formal hearing has been requested.
3. The Executive Assistant to the President and Legal Counsel will notify the individual(s)/office that a grievance has been filed and a formal hearing is requested.
4. A hearing shall be held not less than three (3) nor more than thirty (30) school days after the filing of the statement of charges with the administrative officer. For good cause, the Judicial Board or Special Committee may grant a reasonable postponement.
5. The individual(s) involved will be notified in writing as to the location and time of the hearing.
6. The hearing shall be closed to the public.
7. Attendance at the hearing MAY include: (1) the student involved in the charge, (2) members of the Judicial Board or Special Committee, (3) a recording secretary, (4) person(s) presenting the case for the College, (5) witnesses, (6) advisor or counsel for the student, and (7) security personnel when deemed appropriate.
8. A student may elect to have an attorney present at his or her own expense.
9. All information and evidence offered or received at the investigation shall be fully disclosed to both the Student Judicial Board or Special Committee and the individual(s) charged.
10. The failure of a student or representative to appear shall not be taken as an admission of guilt.The Judicial Board or Special Committee may proceed in the absence of any party who has received due notice of the hearing.
11. Decisions shall be made by a majority of the Judicial Board or Special Committee.
12. The decision of the Judicial Board or Special Committee shall be communicated in writing to the student and other appropriate individuals within seven (7) days following the hearing.
13. The decision of the Judicial Board or Special Committee shall be final and not appealable.

The disposition of the hearing shall be communicated to the President.Complaints against a Vice President, Executive Assistant to the President and College Counsel, or Director of Personnel should be directed to the President of the College.

Composition of the Judicial Board

The Student Judicial Board voting members shall include the Student Trustee, one student appointed by the President of the Student Senate, two faculty members (one Arts and Sciences, one Occupational/Technical) appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, one counselor appointed by the Vice President of Student Development and Services, one Dean appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and one professional/technical or one classified staff member appointed by the President.

When it becomes necessary to hear academic concerns, the Dean and Professional/Technical or Classified staff member will be replaced by two additional faculty members, one appointed by the Dean ofArts and Sciences and one appointed by the Dean of the Occupational and Technical Division, and one student appointed by the Vice President of Student Development and Services. The voting members should select a Chairperson.The Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Vice President of Student Development and Services, Executive Assistant to the President and College Counsel, and the Director of Personnel will serve in ex-officio capacities when a formal hearing pertains to their area of responsibility.

Term of Office on Judicial Board

Students shall serve one-year terms.Initially, terms for remaining members shall be decided by random drawing between one-, two-, or three-year terms. In the event a member cannot serve a full term, a replacement will be chosen through the same process as the individual he or she replaces.

In the event that charges involve a member of the Judicial Board, an alternate will be appointed by the President to serve on the Board as his or her replacement.

Convening of Meetings

The Executive Assistant to the President and College Counsel will convene meetings of the Student Judicial Board. The Chairperson of the Judicial Board shall preside at the hearing and should rule subject to the advice of the Judicial Board.

Implementation of Sanctions

Sanctions will be implemented by the appropriate administrator.