WAC 132V-300-030   Grievance procedure.  Internal review and consultative processes have proven to be a desirable means of resolving problems. Any enrolled student or applicant for admission to Tacoma Community College who believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of sex or on the basis of a disability is encouraged to resolve the complaint with the individual believed to have committed the discriminatory act. The dean for student services or designee is available to assist in resolving the complaint. At any point in the grievance process where resolution is obtained the process will be stopped. The process could also be stopped if the complainant makes such a request. Flexibility in the grievance process is important due to the sensitivity of the issues and the individuality of each situation. The following steps are guidelines useful in proceeding with the grievance process:

     (1) Step 1: Filing the complaint with the college official.

     (a) Sexual discrimination/harassment complaints shall be lodged with the Title IX officer. Disability discrimination complaints shall be lodged with the 504 officer.

     (b) The complainant shall file a written complaint with the designated college officer describing the specific grievance(s), including dates, times, places, circumstances, and any witnesses. A copy of the written complaint will be provided to the person to whom the grievance is directed, referred to as the respondent.

     (2) Step 2: Within ten instructional days of receiving the written complaint, the designated college officer shall arrange a meeting to hear the complaint and initiate an investigation if warranted. It shall be at the discretion of the college official to determine whether the officer will meet with the complainant and the respondent separately or in a single meeting. Throughout the investigation, the college official may call witnesses, including those persons identified by the complainant and by the respondent, as well as any other persons who may have information relevant to the investigation.

     At this step and all subsequent steps in the grievance procedure, the complainant may elect to be advised by an attorney or other advocate in preparing and presenting the grievance. The respondent may choose to be represented by his/her union if a member of a recognized union with the college or may be advised by an attorney in preparing and responding to the grievance. The complainant or respondent shall notify the appropriate college officer at least five instructional days in advance if he/she is being advised by an attorney. In any case, the college may choose to be assisted by an assistant attorney general.

     (3) Step 3: Following the investigation and within thirty calendar days of receiving the written request, the college officer will report his/her findings, conclusions and any actions taken by the college to resolve the complaint in writing to both the complainant and the respondent. This decision is final. The complainant or student respondent may, however, appeal concerns to the student rights and responsibilities hearing committee.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140(13). 01-24-005, § 132V-300-030, filed 11/21/01, effective 12/22/01; 93-20-028, § 132V-300-030, filed 9/27/93, effective 10/28/93; 93-03-078, § 132V-300-030, filed 1/19/93, effective 2/19/93.]