Student Handbook - Chipola College

Student Grievance Procedures
Grievance Procedure
This grievance policy was developed in order to protect the rights of Chipola
College students. Every effort will be made to resolve grievances through the informal
route. If the informal route is not sufficient, then the formal route will be taken.
If a student grievance is to be considered a “formal grievance,” it must be submitted
in writing, signed and dated by the student, and presented to the Vice President of
Student Affairs. If the grievance involves a grade received in a course, the student
should follow the Student Grade Grievance Procedure.
1. Informal – It is understood that the informal route outlined below will be
without the use of a secretary, minutes or any recording device. In the event that a
student or group of students believes there is a basis for a grievance the following
should apply:
a. Informally discuss the grievance with respondent concerned within ten
(10) working days.
b. If the grievance is unresolved, within ten (10) working days the student
should informally discuss the grievance with the College administrator who directly
supervises the respondent.
c. If the grievance is still unresolved, within ten (10) working days, the
student should carry the matter , still on an informal basis, to the Vice President of
Student Affairs. If the grievance involves a possible equity issue, the matter will be
referred to the EA/EO Officer.
2. Formal – If, as a result of informal discussion, the grievance is still unresolved,
the student or group of students may invoke a formal grievance procedure by
outlining the grievance in writing as prescribed above. Two copies of the grievance,
signed and dated by the student, shall be filed with the Vice President of Student Affairs
within ten (10) working days of “Step 1C” outlined in the Informal Grievance
Process.
The respondent will be given a copy of the grievance and may respond in writing
or by personally appearing at the hearing. If the grievance involves an equity issue,
the written documents must be filed with the EA/EO officer.
Within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the formal grievance not involving
an equity issue, the Vice President of Student Affairs shall transmit the grievance
to the Student Appeals/Grievance Committee; formal grievances involving equity
issues will follow the timelines established by the EA/EO Officer. The Student
Appeals/Grievance Committee shall, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the
grievance, hold a hearing on the grievance. The student will receive notification as
to time, date, place, and manner at least five (5) days in advance of the grievance
hearing, and should appear at the hearing to present information. The student has
the right to be assisted by an advisor of his/her choice, at his/her own expense. The
student is responsible for presenting his/her own case, and therefore, advisors are not
permitted to speak or participate directly in the grievance hearing.
Within ten (10) working days of the end of the formal hearing, the Student Appeals/Grievance
Committee shall indicate its decision with regard to the disposition
Student Handbook 63