Student Grievance Policy and Procedures
I. GRIEVANCE PROCESS OVERVIEW
To maintain a harmonious and cooperative environment between and among the College and its students, the College provides for the settlement of problems and differences through an orderly grievance procedure. Every student shall have the right to present his or her problems or grievances free from coercion, restraint, discrimination, or reprisal. This policy provides for prompt and orderly consideration and determination of student problems and grievances by College administrators and ultimately the President. Authorized decision-makers base their conclusions and remedies upon a preponderance of the evidence. In all cases, the burden of proof is on the grievant.
- What is Not Covered in This Policy
A grievance is any matter of student concern or dissatisfaction within the College’s control except for the following:
- Student discipline matters regarding academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating, etc.) and non-academic violations such as theft, drugs and alcohol, disorderly conduct, traffic violations, etc., as outlined in Policy 5.3.2 - Student Code of Conduct. Grievances against students related to alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct are resolved through the student conduct adjudication and appeal processes as described in Procedures 5.3.2.1 and 5.3.2.2.
- Discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence as defined in Policy 5.3.5 - Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy. Grievances against students related to alleged violations of the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy are resolved through the process described within that policy.
- A grade appeal as defined in Policy 5.2.5 - Grade Appeal. Grade appeals are resolved through the process outlined in Procedure 5.2.5.1.
- Any other matter that has a specific grievance process outlined in that specific policy or procedure.
- Academic matters related to courses, minor classroom behavior issues, attendance, academic regulations, or academic activities are resolved by instructors, Department Heads, and/ or Deans under their authority and responsibility for instruction. Deans are the final arbiters in these matters. Referral may be made to the student conduct adjudication and appeal process if appropriate to the particular circumstances.
- Grievances against part-time student workers in their roles as employees are resolved through Policy 3.3.8 - Grievance Policy and Procedure (Non-Student).
- What is Covered in this Policy
Complaints and grievances by a student or students in all other matters within the College’s control are addressed in this policy.
II. GRIEVANCE PROCESS
- Informal Grievance - Step One
In the event the alleged grievance lies with an instructor or staff member, the student must first go to that instructor or staff member and attempt to informally resolve the matter. The student and instructor or staff member must have an informal conference to discuss the situation and document the attempts taken to resolve the grievance at this level. If the student is unsatisfied with the resolution reached at the informal conference, he or she may proceed to Step Two within five (5) business days after the informal conference. Not proceeding to Step Two within the time period will result in the grievance not being heard and the matter being closed. If the grievance concerns issues unrelated to a particular instructor or staff member (for example, an issue with College policy), the student may skip the informal process and proceed to Step Two.
- Formal Grievance - Step Two
If the grievance is not resolved at Step One (or, given the nature of the grievance, Step Two begins the process) the student may file a written grievance with the Vice President of Student Success or Vice President of Workforce Development, as appropriate to the complaint. The written grievance must contain, with specificity, the facts supporting the grievance and the attempt, if applicable, to resolve the grievance at the first level. The Vice President of Student Success or Workforce Development (or, depending on the nature of the grievance, another appropriate Vice President) shall review the written grievance and refer it to the appropriate administrator, or conduct whatever further investigation, if any, is necessary to determine any additional facts that are needed to resolve the grievance. The Administrator or Vice President shall provide his or her written decision within 10 business days after receipt of the grievance. If the student is dissatisfied with the resolution reached by the Vice President, he or she may proceed to Step Three within five (5) business days after receipt of the Vice President’s written determination. Not proceeding to Step Three within the time period will result in the grievance not being heard and the matter being closed.
- Appeal - Step Three
If the student is not satisfied with the Vice President’s determination, the student may appeal to the President. The appeal must be in writing, must provide a written summary of the facts and must contain any other documentation pertinent to the matter. The President or his or her designee may, at his or her discretion, assemble the Grievance Committee to further investigate the matter and make a recommendation to the President. The President or designee will conduct an “on the record” review and conduct any further investigation that is necessary to ascertain the facts needed to make a determination. At the conclusion of the investigation and not later than fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the student’s appeal, the President or designee shall provide a written decision to the student. The President’s decision is final. After a student has exhausted the College’s complaint or grievance procedures, if a matter remains unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the North Carolina Community College System using the online Student Complaint Portal hosted by the Licensure Division of the University of North Carolina System Office.
The Portal can be found online at https://studentcomplaints.northcarolina.edu.
For more information, send an email to studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu.
June 13, 2022
State Authorization Grievance Process
Alamance Community College desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. Students residing outside of the State of North Carolina while attending ACC who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the College’s Student Grievance Procedure.
If a complaint cannot be resolved through the institution’s grievance procedures, students may file a complaint with NCSEAA within two years of the occurrence of the complaint.
SARA-NC Contact Information:
SARA North Carolina
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 14103
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Toll Free Phone: (855) SARA-1-NC (727-2162)
Local Phone: (919) 549-8614, ext. 4667 Email: information@saranc.org
Website: www.saranc.org/Complaint.html
Student Complaint Policy:
www.saranc.org/Complaint.html
Student Complaint Form:
www.saranc.org/docs/SARA-NCComplaintForm.pdf
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