A grievance is an action filed by a student or group of students stating a belief that the educational progress is being hampered or individual rights/freedoms are being denied through violation of a college policy, procedure, or practice. It requires a request for some specific action to occur. The petitioner states the grievance in written form to the VP of Student Services or college designee and should include:
College administration will determine if the matter is a givable offense. The matter will be closed if the situation is determined “not grievable” and the petitioner will be notified of the reasons. Otherwise, the college designee will respond to the petitioner in writing within 15 days after receipt of the written grievance. If the response is satisfactory to the petitioner, no further action is necessary. If not, the petitioner notifies the college designee to proceed to a hearing with the College Grievance Council. The college designee will convene the college Grievance Council within 15 days of the grievance. Notice shall be given to all parties at least seven days prior to the hearing, unless the parties agree to a shorter time. The college designee will select an impartial Grievance Council to include three members, including: one student, one faculty member, and one administrator or classified employee.
The Council will hear statements from and may question the petitioner and respondent. The Council may accept statements in writing on behalf of petitioner and/or respondent. The Grievance Council may pursue other actions it deems necessary to obtain pertinent information to fulfill its role.
Within 15 days after completion of the hearing, the Council will report its findings and decision to the College designee. The College representative must notify both parties of the decision in writing as soon as possible.
Appeal or Grievance Council Finding. The right to appeal the decision is available for a period of 15 days after notification of the decision. The request for an appeal must be submitted in writing to the V. P. of Administrative Services. The decision of the Dean of Administrative Services is final.
