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, color, sexual orientation, religion)
4. Financial Aid Suspension
5. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (confidentiality)
6. Sexual Harassment (by student, 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.

Initiation Of Grievance Or Disciplinary Proceedings

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. Every attempt will be made to resolve the condition at the point of origin. With the exception of a complaint of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, the process outlined below should be followed.

Complaints alleging discrimination and/or harassment, including sexual harassment, must be filed with the Human Resources Office. The process for investigating a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment may be obtained from the Student Services Center or the Human Resources Office.

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 of concern 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 administrator 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.

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

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.

In cases of sexual harassment or discrimination, a student has the right to bypass the informal process and request a formal hearing. In cases of academic dishonesty or 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, a faculty member, or a staff member.

Formal hearings of the Judicial Board or Special Committee must be coordinated through the appropriate administrator as listed in the Student Resolution chart. The Judicial Board will be convened by the Office of the Vice President of Student and Academic Services. Special Committee hearings will be convened through the President’s Office. The Chairperson of the Judicial Board shall preside at the hearing and should rule subject to the advice of the Judicial Board. The Chairperson of the Special Committee shall preside at the hearing and should rule subject to the advice of the Special Committee.

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.

Student Resolution Process Chart

(Contact Individuals Listed in Sequential Order)

* If applicable

This process is subject to review; please check with the Student Services Center for a current copy of the formal Student Resolution Process Chart.

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 Student Resolution Process Chart). Forms are available in Academic Offices, the Student & Academic Services Office, the Human Resources Office, and the Student Services Center.
2. The appropriate administrative officer will review the completed Request for Formal Hearing form and explain the formal hearing process to the grievant.
3. The administrative officer will notify the appropriate individual(s) that a grievance has been filed and that a formal hearing has been requested.
4. A hearing shall be held not less than three (3) or 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 individuals involved, including named witnesses, 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 grievant, (2) members of the Judicial Board or Special Committee, (3) a recording secretary, (4) the respondent(s), (5) witnesses, (6) advisor or counsel for the grievant or respondent, and (7) security personnel when deemed appropriate.
8. A grievant or respondent may elect to have an attorney present during his or her own expense.
9. All information and evidence offered or received at the investigation shall be fully disclosed to both the Judicial Board or Special Committee and the individual(s) charged.
10. The failure of a grievant or his/her advisor or counsel 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 grievant, respondent 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, Chief of Staff, or Director of Human Resources should be directed to the President of the College.