Academic Catalog

The College recognizes that problems will occasionally arise between students and faculty regarding academic issues, including disputes regarding grades awarded. This academic grievance policy is intended to address those concerns. The primary objective of the policy is to ensure that students have the opportunity to present grievances regarding actions of members of the faculty and that the College has a consistent process for resolving those grievances in a fair, confidential and just manner.

 

The first step is for the student to attempt to resolve the grievance informally by discussing it with the faculty member. The discussion should take place within a reasonable time of the action of the faculty member with whom the student takes issue. If the matter is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction at this level, the student should discuss the grievance with the faculty member’s department chair within five (5) days of receiving the response from the faculty member. The department chair will meet with the student and, as appropriate, the faculty member, and reach a decision, which will be communicated to the student. Generally, no record will be maintained regarding a grievance resolved informally.

If the matter is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction at this level, the student may request review by the appropriate dean by submitting a written statement to the division head within thirty (30) days of the action of the faculty member with which the student takes issue. The statement should include an explanation of the problem and a description of the desired resolution. The dean will then meet with the student to discuss the grievance, and, as appropriate, the faculty member. After reviewing all relevant information, the dean will inform the student in writing of his/her decision regarding the grievance.

Documentation of Grievances