Grievance Process

In a college's governance, there is a “chain of command.” Grievances should be first discussed with the alleged aggrievor. If the grievance is unresolved, the student should proceed up the chain of command (see Grievance Procedure diagram) until the grievance has been satisfactorily settled.

• If you have a grievance against:
  • A faculty member, contact the Department Head, then if unresolved, contact the Academic Dean, if unresolved, contact the Grievance and Discipline Committee.
  • Another student, contact the Dean of Students, then if unresolved, contact the Grievance and Discipline Committee.
  • A staff member or an administrator, contact the Administrative Department Head; if unresolved, contact the Dean of Students; if unresolved, contact the Grievance and Discipline Committee.
  • In all cases, if the Grievance and Discipline Committee is unable to resolve the grievance, contact the Provost.

Any student who feels aggrieved may consult with the Dean of Students concerning the process and the procedures. All persons involved in the process will attempt to resolve the grievance before any formal Grievance Committee hearings.

The Grievance and Discipline Committee will consider only whether the challenged action or decision by a member of the faculty, administration, student body or any agency of these groups was unfair (arbitrary) or capricious.

The committee will first examine the facts presented (in writing) by the student. If the committee judges that there is sufficient evidence, it will investigate the matter and hear testimony. If the Grievance and Discipline Committee decides that the student's complaint is justified, it will discuss the matter with the person or persons concerned and determine the means to ensure the student's rights.

The decision of the Grievance and Discipline Committee will be binding on all parties concerned unless the decision is appealed to the executive vice president.

Image Description: Flow Chart of Grievance Process. Give a visual representation of the contract process for if you have a grievance against a faculty member, another student or an administrator, who to contact and escalate if issue is not resolved, ending in the Grievance and Discipline Committee then Provost. Information in flow chart is explained in detail in the text preceding the flow chart.

Either interested party (defendant or plaintiff) may appeal a decision of the Grievance and Discipline Committee to the provost of the university within five days from the receipt of the decision.

• The provost will choose an appeal board of three members.
• The appeal board will not rehear the case, but will consider evidence of a violation of the proper procedures or manifest partiality.
• The appeal board will bring its recommendation to the provost, whose decision will be final.