Types of Student Grievances
Please Note: There is a formal and informal process for student grievances. Please review this page and/or the document carefully before submitting any grievance form. For complete details on the grade grievance process, please see:
- SMCCCD Administrative Procedure 7.73.1: catalog.canadacollege.edu/current/student-grievances/_docs/smcccd-administrative-procedure-7-73.1.pdf.
- SMCCCD Board Policy 7.73: catalog.canadacollege.edu/current/student-grievances/_docs/smccd-board-policy-7-73.pdf
Students are encouraged to pursue their academic studies and become involved in other college sponsored activities that promote their intellectual growth and personal development. The college is committed to the concept that, in the pursuit of these ends, students should be free of unfair and improper actions on the part of any member of the academic community. If, at any time, a student feels that he or she has been subject to unjust actions or denied his or her rights, redress can be sought through the filing of a grievance, or an appeal of the decision/action taken in response to a grievance, within the framework of policy and procedure set forth below.
Informal Resolution: Initial College Review
Each student who has a grievance shall make a reasonable effort to resolve the matter on an informal basis prior to pursuing a formal grievance which includes a grievance hearing, and shall attempt to solve the problem with the person with whom the student has the grievance, that person’s immediate supervisor, or the local college administration. The student may also seek the assistance of a friend in attempting to resolve a grievance informally.
The chart below summarizes the appropriate college channels to be utilized by any student wishing to seek redress. For further information concerning any aspect of student grievances or rights of appeal, students should contact the Office of the Vice President, Student Services. Students may elect to grieve any decisions or actions taken. All grievances, or appeals of the decision/action taken in response to a grievance, will be dealt with in a timely manner.
Informal Student Grievance Procedure | ||
---|---|---|
AREA | FIRST LEVEL OF ACTION | SECOND LEVEL OF ACTION |
Academic Matters: Grades 1, Testing, Class Content, Assignments, Attendance, Prerequisite Challenge | Instructor | Division Dean |
Admissions/Late Withdrawal | Dean of Enrollment Services | Vice President, Student Services |
Discrimination Matters | Vice Chancellor, Human Resources | Chancellor |
Fee Payments or Refunds | Lead Cashier | Director, Business Services (Canada and Skyline) Vice President Student Services (CSM) |
Financial Aid | Director of Financial Aid | Dean of Enrollment Services |
Academic or Progress Dismissal | Dean, Enrollment Services | Vice President, Student Services |
Registration | Registrar | Dean of Enrollment Services |
Residency Determination | Registrar | Dean of Enrollment Services |
Public Safety and Parking | Supervisor, Public Safety | Director, District Safety |
Sexual Harassment | Vice Chancellor, Human Resources | Chancellor |
Student Records | Registrar | Dean of Enrollment Services |
Time, Place and Manner | Student Life & Leadership Manager | Vice President, Student Services |
Waiver of Academic Requirements | Director of Disability Resources | Vice President, Student Services |