WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

ARTICLE VII - STUDENT RIGHTS GRIEVANCES
WNCC recognizes the importance of maintaining an environment that preserves the
academic freedom and civil rights of its faculty, staff, and students. Each student has the
right to file a grievance on any abridgement of her/his rights by any staff/faculty member in
accordance with the abridgements outlined in Clause 1 below.
SECTION A - Procedures
A student who questions abridgement of her/his rights should make an appointment with
the Dean of Student Services to discuss the issue. Such a meeting must be initiated by the
student within three (3) weeks after the alleged abridgement has occurred.
Clause 1 - Abridgements
1. Discrimination - Treatment by a faculty/staff member directed toward a student
because of her/his race, color, religion, ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, marital
status, or veteran status.
2. Violations of WCCA Board of Governors policies.
3. Unjust Treatment - Evidence of a pattern of negative behavior including but not limited
to: verbal abuse in class or elsewhere on campus or nonfulfillment of an obligation to
teach class.
Students who wish to file a grade appeal normally notify the Instructor or the Chair of an academic
division, who then arranges for the student to discuss the process with the Dean of Educational
Services. If the student has followed the procedures outlined below, a meeting is held at which
three faculty members from a division other than the one in which the course is offered hear from
the student and the instructor to determine whether or not there is a basis for change. The final
decision on action is left up to the Vice President.
ARTICLE VIII - GRADE APPEALS
Every student has the right to appeal the final grade in a course, in accordance with the
stipulations outlined below. Such an appeal must be initiated by the student no later than
three weeks after the day grades are mailed.
SECTION A - Preliminary Procedure
A student who questions a course grade must:
1. Discuss the matter with his/her instructor. Clerical errors are usually handled in this
manner, with the instructor signing the correction of official records. If the student
believes the problem is not resolved, the student shall then
2. Visit with the appropriate Division Chairperson or the Assistant Division Chairperson to
discuss the issue. If the concern still remains unresolved, the student may
Western Nebraska Community College Page 37