POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | Student Progs/Services | 4.4 Due Process | 4.4.1 Grievances



Grievances and Appeals

The procedures described in this section are open to any student seeking resolution for what he/she perceives to be unfair treatment in a student-to-student or student- to-employee interaction during his/her association with SCC. Grade appeals, appeals of disciplinary actions, or alleged unjust or discriminatory treatment may be addressed through this process. Grievances involving sexual harassment will be addressed by following Procedure 2.7.1, Sexual Harassment Procedures.


Informal Resolution
Within five business days following the event in question, the grievant must discuss the grievance with the individual who is perceived to be the source of the concern.


Formal Resolution
Step 1:  In the event that the grievance is not resolved informally, the grievant must meet with the supervisor of the accused individual against who said grievance has been filed, within five business days, and submit a completed Grievance Form. 


The supervisor has up to five business days to conduct an investigation, which includes affording the accused an opportunity to provide a written response to said grievance. The supervisor is responsible for forwarding his/her written decision and all supporting documentation to the respective vice president and the grievant.  The grievant copy will be sent via the preferred method of communication.


Step 2:  If the grievance is not resolved in Step 1, the grievant must contact the vice president of the division in which the individual is assigned within five business days of receipt of the response from the supervisor and request a meeting to discuss the grievance.  The five day period begins the day following receipt of the supervisor’s written decision. 


After meeting with the grievant, the vice president has up to five business days to conduct an investigation, which includes affording the accused and the supervisor and/or student an opportunity to provide a written response to said grievance. The vice president is responsible for forwarding his/her written decision and all supporting documentation to all parties involved.  The grievant copy will be sent via the preferred method of communication.


Step 3:  If the grievant or the accused is not satisfied with the response from the vice president, either individual may request a hearing by the Student Grievance Committee.  The individual must complete a Request for Hearing form within five business days of receiving the response.  The request for a hearing must be made to the vice president of student development and technology services.  The vice president of student development and technology services will convene the Student Grievance Committee.


Student Grievance Committee for students enrolled in curriculum programs

The Grievance Committee for non-academic issues is made up of two students appointed by the Student Government Association, one faculty member appointed by the Faculty Senate, and two staff appointed by the Staff Association. The Grievance Committee for academic issues includes a student appointed by the Student Government Association, a student appointed by the SCC Ambassadors, two faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate, and one professional staff person appointed by the Staff Association.


Student Grievance Committee for students enrolled in continuing education courses

The Grievance Committee for non-academic issues is made up of two continuing education students, one continuing education instructor, and two continuing education staff persons.  The Grievance Committee for academic issues includes a continuing education student, two continuing education instructors, and one continuing education professional staff person.  Appointments to the Continuing Education Grievance Committee are made by the president or his/her designee.


Procedures for the Student Grievance Committees

No one can serve on the Student Grievance Committee if they have any involvement in the grievance.


The vice president of student development and technology services will schedule a hearing within five business days of receipt of the Hearing Request form. The Student Grievance Committee will elect a chair. Following the hearing, the committee chair will communicate the decision to the President and upon approval, drafts a response to the grievant within three days. The response will be sent to the grievant via the preferred method of communication. Copies of the decision will be provided to the vice president of student development and technology services, the president and all individuals involved in the grievance process.


Exceptions

  1. All parties will receive written notification of any deviation from specified time frame.
  2. The following exceptions apply if the accused is a vice president.  The Step 1 supervisor shall be another vice president appointed by the president.  Step 2 will be omitted in the event that the grievance is against a vice president.  If the vice president of student development and technology services is involved in the grievance, the individual will request a hearing through the office of the president.  In the event that the grievance involves the President, the grievance form is forwarded to the President’s executive assistant, who in turn forwards the grievance to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Revised: 04/20/2011, 06/02/2011