CHAPTER 3: EDUCATIONAL
SERVICES
PROCEDURE 3F.2/11 Complaints and Grievances
for Policy 3F.2
Complementary Policies, Procedures and Practices
The complaint and grievance policy is used when a student
is alleging improper, unfair or arbitrary treatment by
a faculty or staff member. Separate, but complementary
policies, procedures and practices are used for other circumstances,
such as:
- Academic Petition - used when a student wishes to petition
for exception to academic standards or program requirements
- Discrimination and Harassment (MnSCU Board policy 1B.1)
- used when action that is of a discrimination or harassment
nature is directed toward a member of a protected class
as identified by law
- Exception to Policy Petition - used when unusual circumstances
warrant deviation from standard policy, procedure or practice
- Grade Disputes - grading is the sole prerogative of
the faculty
- Satisfactory Academic Progress - used when a student
wishes to appeal probation or suspension status
- Student Conduct Code - used when a student is alleged
to have violated acceptable modes of academic and social
conduct
Complaints
A complaint is an oral or written claim concerning a college
or university issue brought by a student alleging improper,
unfair or arbitrary treatment. Disagreement with an administrative
decision or the outcome of an appeal of that decision is
not a complaint unless it alleges improper, unfair or arbitrary
treatment.
To Make/Resolve a Complaint
Note: Complaint processes are subject
to the time limits as listed within this policy.
- To resolve a complaint, the student should first contact
the faculty or staff member with whom the complaint exists.
- Although it is not required that a complaint be written,
the student is encouraged to write down a) the reason
for the complaint, b) factual summary of complaint, and
c) the remedy sought before arranging a meeting with
the appropriate individual to discuss the complaint.
- If there is no agreement or resolution during the initial
complaint process, the student may schedule a time to
discuss the complaint with the faculty or staff member's
direct supervisor.
- The direct supervisor will review previous resolution
steps, discuss the complaint with the student, the faculty
or staff member involved, other appropriate individuals
and communicate an answer to the student.
- If there is no agreement or resolution during the meeting
with the direct supervisor, the student may seek resolution
using the grievance process.
Grievances
A grievance is a written claim raised by a student alleging
improper, unfair or arbitrary action by an employee involving
the application of a specific provision of an ARCC or MnSCU
policy or procedure. Disagreement with an administrative
decision or the outcome of an appeal of that decision is
not a grievance unless it alleges improper, unfair or arbitrary
action.
To File/Resolve a Grievance
Note: Grievance processes are subject
to the time limits as listed within this policy.
- If a complaint is not satisfactorily resolved during
the complaint process, and/or if the complaint addresses
a violation of a specific policy, procedure or practice
of Anoka-Ramsey Community College or the MnSCU System,
the student may file a written grievance through four
(4) steps if necessary:
- To the employee being grieved;
- To the administrator to whom the employee reports;
and
- If the grievance involves a college policy or practice,
to the college president. The decision of the president
is final and binding.
- If the grievance involves a board policy or the actions
of the college president, a student may further appeal
the college decision through the chancellor to the
board. The decision of the board is final and binding.
- Faculty and staff identified in the grievance shall
receive copies of the grievance and any supporting documentation.
Faculty and staff may submit a written response to the
grievance.
- The appropriate administrator will review the material
submitted by the student to see if material constitutes
a grievance. If the material does not constitute a grievance,
the administrator will communicate in writing to the
student and the involved faculty or staff member.
- If the material does constitute a grievance, the administrator
shall conduct a thorough review and provide a written
statement of finding to the student and the involved
faculty or staff member.
- If the grievance process does not resolve the grievance,
the student may consider filing an appeal through the
four steps if necessary.
Time Limits for Complaints and Grievances
- The initial complaint or grievance must be presented
within twenty (20) business days after the first occurrence
of the event giving rise to the complaint or grievance,
or twenty (20) business days after the student, through
use of reasonable diligence, should have obtained knowledge
of the first occurrence of the event giving rise to the
complaint or grievance.
- All subsequent time limits (written response, appeal,
final resolution, etc.) are limited to ten (10) business
days.
- By mutual agreement of the student and college personnel,
time limits may be extended due to extenuating circumstances
approved by the appropriate dean or vice president If
a complaint or grievance is not presented within the
established limits, it shall be considered waived.
- If a complaint or grievance is not appealed to the
next step within the established time limits, it shall
be considered settled on the basis of the last answer.
- If, after presentation at any step, a college staff
member does not discuss and/or answer the complaint or
grievance with the student within the established time
limits, the student may treat the complaint or grievance
as denied at that step and may appeal the complaint or
grievance to the next step.
---------------------------------
History:
| 8/06 |
Adopted new procedure |
For Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) policies
and procedures, go to www.mnscu.edu/Policies/PolicyIndex.html
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