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

formal grievances filed since the academic year 2000-2001. That number does not include
grievances that are resolved informally. There is no official documentation kept on informal
resolutions. Additionally, this does not include complaints that do not qualify as a grievance under
the specific policies (RR 29). Grievances are handled according to timelines as defined in the
Faculty Grievance Procedures.
In 2007, to assess WNCC as an institution of integrity, the College chose to utilize the Community
College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) to benchmark effective educational practices in
community colleges. The survey focuses on teaching, learning, and student success. Results
from it allow colleges to monitor performance related to the learning environment and to student
service (RR 30). The survey was conducted again in the spring term of 2009, and, as with the first
survey results, items will be reviewed. Comparisons will also be made to the 2007 data, to begin
longitudinal analysis.
Although the primary benefit from the survey will derive from the longitudinal data available in time,
the short-term benefit derived from survey results which were discussed at various forums within
the College, raising awareness of key facets of teaching/learning dynamics and stimulating intrainstitutional
and intra-departmental discussions among faculty and support area employees. A
further discussion of the CCSSE results relating to student learning is found in Criterion 3 of this
document, and a section about the rating of services provided to students appears in Criterion 5.
Students
The Student Planner is published annually through the Student Services office and includes
information and policies about student services, sexual harassment, academic requirements,
academic integrity, activities and organizations, counseling services, disability services, advising,
and residence life. Hard copies are distributed to students the first week of classes and at student
orientations. To further support and protect the rights of students, if the need arises, students are
given the chance to formally file a grievance. The Vice President of Student Services’ office is
responsible for the investigation and process of student grievances, except for grade appeals,
which are handled by the Dean of Educational Services. Descriptions of additional student
recourses are available at the following URL: (RR 31).
WNCC Legal Policies
The organization’s integrity is upheld through the observance of relevant laws and regulations
specific to community colleges. According to the College attorney, the Board of Governors and the
administration have put in place appropriate board policies addressing the mission and the
importance of relations between the College and state and federal government agencies (RR 32).
The Board of Governors has also passed a similar policy concerning College relations with the
state legislature.
The College does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, national origin, sex, age,
disability, marital status, or military veteran status, as is defined by law in employment, admissions
to, or operation of its educational program and activities as prescribed by state and federal law
regulations and executive orders (RR 33). As set forth by policy and maintained by the philosophy
of the institution, WNCC has an institutional commitment to providing equal educational
opportunities for qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and
regulations including the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 (RR 34).
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Western Nebraska Community College