Grievance Process

A grievance is defined as a complaint by a student or applicant who believes they have been subjected to unfair, arbitrary, discriminatory, or unprofessional action resulting from an institutional policy or the conduct of a college employee. Grievances of this nature should be resolved through the procedures outlined below.
(Note: For Code of Conduct or Grade Appeals, please refer to the procedures outlined in their respective sections.)

1. Initial Resolution
   The student or applicant should first be referred to the employee involved to seek resolution of the grievance. If the complainant is uncomfortable meeting with the employee directly, they may instead be referred to the employee’s supervisor.
2. Supervisor Mediation
   If the grievance cannot be resolved through consultation between the student and the employee, the employee’s supervisor shall intervene to mediate the issue.
3. Dean Review
   If mediation does not result in a resolution, the grievance may be presented to the appropriate divisional dean. This may be initiated by the complainant, the employee, the supervisor, or any two of the three parties.
4. Appeal to the Vice President
   If further review is desired, the complainant may submit a written appeal of the dean’s decision to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.
5. Appeal to the President
   Should the issue remain unresolved, a written appeal may be made to the President of the College.
6. Appeal to the Board of Trustees
   If the complainant seeks further resolution, they may submit a final written appeal to the Board of Trustees, as defined in the appeals process section of the catalog.