WAC 132X-60-080   Student complaints and grievances.  The purpose of these procedures is to establish a process where a student may express and resolve misunderstandings, complaints or grievances with any college employee in a fair and equitable manner. This procedure emphasizes an informal resolution.

     A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction with the performance of a college employee or procedure. The student who has a complaint about an action of a college employee should use the following procedure:

     (1) Initiating a nonacademic complaint:

     (a) The student and the college employee should make a good faith effort to resolve the grievance on a one to one basis within fifteen instructional days from the date of the complaint. In the event of absence from campus by the employee, the student shall contact the organizational unit administrator for advice on how to proceed with the complaint. If the student feels that he/she cannot meet face-to-face with the employee he/she may directly contact the organizational unit administrator.

     (b) If the student determines that a complaint cannot be resolved appropriately with the employee concerned, the student may contact the organizational unit administrator of the employee to facilitate a solution to the grievance.

     (c) If a complaint filed with the appropriate organizational unit administrator has not been resolved, the student may proceed with a formal complaint.

     (2) Proceeding with a formal complaint:

     (a) Office to address: Complaints regarding an instructional employee or policy shall be addressed to the vice-president of instruction or designee. Complaints regarding an administrative services employee or policy shall be addressed to the vice-president of administrative services or designee. Complaints regarding student services employees or other college personnel shall be addressed to the vice-president of student services or designee.

     (b) The vice-president/designee shall discuss with the student the concerns and options available to resolve the concern. If the student should elect to proceed with the formal complaint the student must outline in writing the complaint, identifying dates and persons involved as accurately as possible.

     (c) The vice-president shall also inform the student that the student may ask the vice-president for student services or another person the student chooses to act as an advocate in assisting the student in the completion of the complaint process.

     (d) The student's written complaint shall be forwarded to the employee concerned who shall provide a written response within ten instructional days.

     (e) If the written response does not resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the student, the vice-president shall convene a conference of all the involved parties within ten instructional days to (i) attempt to resolve to the satisfaction of all parties the complaint and/or (ii) hear the issue(s) and take appropriate action(s) to resolve the complaint.

     (f) Action taken by the vice-president, if any, may be appealed to the president, and must be done in writing within ten instructional days. The decision of the president is final.

     (3) Discrimination grievances:

     Students who believe they have been discriminated against as defined in Title VII and Title IX of the Higher Education Act or Section 504 of the Handicapped Assistance Act may file a grievance through the human resources office.

     (4) Academic grievances:

     Students with an academic grievance should first contact the instructor and attempt to resolve the issue(s). If unable to resolve the issue(s), the student should contact the appropriate division chair. If still unable to resolve the issue(s), the student should contact the vice-president for instruction. The decision of the vice-president shall be final.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140(13). 00-05-023, § 132X-60-080, filed 2/8/00, effective 3/10/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. 88-21-071 (Order 88-1), § 132X-60-080, filed 10/18/88.]