Policy 6.14: Student Grievance 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 within the College. For complaints involving any form of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, discriminatory conduct (including discriminatory harassment), and accommodations for disabilities, please refer to our policies protecting against these conducts and setting out complaint procedures.   These other policies do not have timelines and complaints may be brought at any time.  The College will investigate and respond to complaints in accordance with those policies and all applicable laws.

This grievance procedure has 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).

Informal Resolution Process

1. The student may first discuss the grievance with the individual against whom the grievance exists.
   1.  If the grievance is not resolved between the individuals involved, or the student does not wish to first discuss the grievance with the individual about whom it exists, the student may begin step two. This action must be taken within thirty days of the original incident giving rise to the grievance.

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 appropriate Dean.  The Student should also file an incident report using the College’s Incident Reporting System.

1. If the grievance is directed against a Dean, the grievance shall be presented to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer.
   • 1. If the grievance is directed against a Vice President, the grievance shall be presented directly to the President.
   • 2. If the grievance is directed against the President, the grievance shall be presented directly to the Board of Governors.
   • 3. The student will receive a response to the grievance at Step One within seven days.

Step Two: If the grievance is not resolved by the Dean (or other level when applicable) within seven days, the grievant shall formally and in writing present it to the Provost/Chief Academic Officer. The Provost/Chief Academic Officer must respond in writing within seven days with the decision to the grievant.

Step Three: If the grievant is not satisfied with the resolution at Step Two, the student 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.

Confidentiality Policy

The investigation will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. Adherence to confidentiality is expected of all individuals directly and indirectly involved with the investigation process and its final determination.

If a victim discloses an incident to a responsible employee but wishes to maintain confidentiality or requests that no investigation into a particular incident be conducted or disciplinary action taken, the College will weigh that request under policy and any applicable law in determining its obligations and responsibilities.

Statement Against Retaliation

An individual who has engaged in a protected activity, such as bringing forth in good faith a grievance under this policy, is protected against retaliation. The College supports students’ use of this grievance process and bringing forward complaints.  As discussed in our other policies as well, protected activity also consists of the following: 1) opposing a practice made unlawful by one of statute; or 2) filing a charge, testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under any applicable statute.

Any individual who believes that they are the victim of retaliation as described above, may file an oral or written complaint of retaliation under any of the applicable policies, including a grievance under this policy with the Title IX Coordinator(s) or designee, or with individuals responsible for enforcing College anti-discrimination, disability discrimination policies.