5.17 – Grievance Procedures for Students

5.17 – Grievance Procedures for Students

A. Purpose

To describe the process for handling student concerns or grievances when there is no other college policy or procedure that governs the situation.

B. Policy

The college will provide procedures to resolve student concerns and grievances that do not clearly fall under any other published college policy or procedure.

C. Procedures

1.     Students having complaints, grievances or other concerns for which they are unsure of the applicable process or reporting mechanism may file such complaint, grievance, or concern with the dean of students.

• If it is determined that another college procedure governs the situation (e.g., grade appeal, sexual misconduct, etc.), the dean of students will act as a facilitator to ensure the information is directed to the appropriate college official.
• If it is determined that no other college procedure governs, the dean of students will work with the student, and others as necessary, to reach a resolution of the situation.

2.     If the student and dean of students are unable to resolve the situation, the student may file a formal written grievance with the vice chancellor for student affairs.

• The vice chancellor for student affairs will conduct an investigation into the matter, taking all steps deemed necessary based on the circumstances, and will issue a written decision to the student.
• The vice chancellor for student affairs’ decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

3.     If a complaint is not resolved at the college level, students may choose to file a complaint through one of these external agencies:

• Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development301 W High St., PO Box 1469
  Jefferson City, MO 65101-1469
  Phone: (573) 751-2361
  Fax: (573) 751-6635
  Email: info@dhewd.mo.gov
  http://dhe.mo.gov/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION-reviseddraft.pdf
• The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
  https://www.hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/complaints.html

D. Definitions

N/A

E. Authority

This policy and these procedures are maintained under the authority of the executive vice chancellor for institutional and student success.

F. Related Policies

3.01 – Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination

4.06 – Sexual Harassment and Grievance Procedures

5.16 – Student Discipline and Appeals Process

G. Implementation

Purpose, procedures, responsibilities and definitions approved and adopted by the Cabinet on 2/6/18.

Policy approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees on 3/12/2018. Procedural revisions approved by Cabinet 02/12/2020.

Set for review in fiscal year 2025-2026