Basic Student Procedural Due Process Rights

Pensacola State College will observe the fundamentals of due process to reach a fair, equitable, and consistent resolution for students with complaints and grievances. Due process will be observed in the adjudication of alleged student violations of College policies and procedures. A student pursuing either a non-academic or academic complaint or grievance may use Pensacola State College’s Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman at no cost or obligation. The use of the services of the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman is to be determined by the student. In addition, students who feel their grievance has not be resolved by the College may seek guidance from the Florida Department of Education at http://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/complaints.stml.

Grievances Alleging Discrimination

Pensacola State College prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  The College’s Policy of Nondiscrimination clearly prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information (6Hx20-1.007).  A student with a complaint regarding issues of discrimination or harassment, including Title IX, Section 504 or discriminatory conduct in the form of sexual misconduct/sexual harassment, should immediately notify the Associate Vice President, Institutional Diversity.  This includes allegations of discrimination or harassment, whether the alleged discriminatory act occurs on or off campus, in an academic environment or non-academic environment or involves a College sanctioned program, service, or activity.  The Associate Vice President, Institutional Diversity is located in the Administration Building #7, Room 705, on the Pensacola Campus, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL  32504.  The phone number is (850) 484-1759. 

In addition, Pensacola State College prohibits retaliation.  At no time should a student be penalized, threatened, intimidated, or otherwise be discouraged from filing a discrimination complaint if the student in good faith made allegations of discrimination or believes he or she has been subjected to discriminatory conduct.

Appeals Available To Students

Non-Academic Appeals

  1. Student Motor Vehicle Regulations: A student who wishes to dispute an alleged violation of the Student Motor Vehicle Regulations may submit an appeal to the Traffic Appeals Court through the Student Leadership and Activities Office on the appropriate campus.
  2. Code of Conduct Violations: A student accused of violating a section or sections of the Pensacola State College Code of Conduct shall be entitled to certain procedural rights. See the Student Code of Conduct Violations in the Non-Academic Appeals Procedure section of the College Catalog.

Academic Appeals

  1. Grievances of Classroom and Instructor Issues: A student with a complaint regarding specific issues related to a member of the Pensacola State College faculty, including Title IX and Section 504, may seek resolution through this process.
  2. Grade Grievance Procedure: A student who disputes a final grade assigned by a faculty member has 10 working days from the time of grade assignment to initiate a grievance. After the 10 day period, the student loses the right to file a grievance see Student Grade Grievance Procedure and no other administrative remedy or campus option is available.
  3. Graduation Policy Exception: A student who wishes an exception to an existing graduation policy may appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
  4. Reinstatement in Class: A student who has been withdrawn for excessive absences may request consideration for reinstatement by discussion with the instructor. If the instructor does not permit continued enrollment, the student may appeal to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
  5. Late Withdrawal : A student who wishes to withdraw from a class after the established withdrawal deadline may petition the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
  6. Academic Suspension or Academic Dismissal: A student who has been placed on academic suspension or who has been dismissed for academic reasons may petition for continued enrollment to the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
.