/Institutions/Pensacola-State-College/json/2015-2016/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Pensacola-State-College/json/2015-2016/Catalog.json

2015-2016 Catalog > Student Handbook > Student Rights > Student Academic Grievance Procedure

Student Academic Grievance Procedure

The purpose of the grievance procedure is to provide, at the lowest possible level, a means to mediate a fair and equitable solution to any complaint other than grade disputes (including Title IX and Section 504) that a student may have with a faculty member. A student with a complaint regarding issues of discrimination or harassment that occur on or off campus within an academic setting should bring the issue to the immediate attention of the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity. This procedure will not involve itself in any dispute in which the student is accused of a violation of the honor pledge or infraction of any rule or regulation governing the conduct of students, as set down by the institution.

The time limit indicated throughout this procedure should be considered as maximum, and every effort should be made to expedite the process. However, the time limits may be extended by mutual consent of the parties concerned.

Any student who has a grievance with a member of the faculty that has not been resolved to his or her satisfaction may take the following steps to resolve the issue:

Informal Procedure

1. Within 60 days or less of the incident, the student should discuss the grievance with the department head to attempt to resolve the problem.
2. After the initial discussion with the appropriate department head, if the grievance is still not resolved, the student may discuss the grievance with the appropriate dean or designee.

Formal Procedure

1. If, as a result of informal discussion, the grievance is still unresolved, the student may file a Formal Grievance Petition by outlining the grievance in writing on a prescribed form available from the Campus Dean.
2. Within one calendar week of filing of the formal grievance, the Dean shall transmit the completed Formal Grievance Petition form and documentation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
3. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will appoint a chair of the Student-Faculty Relations Panel.
4. The Student-Faculty Relations Panel will schedule a hearing within two calendar weeks of the petition filing. The student will receive notification at least five days in advance of the grievance hearing and should appear at the hearing to present information and to call witnesses. Information and testimony in the hearing are limited to the scope of the complaint and the information provided during the informal process.
5. It is agreed that each party of a grievance shall furnish the other with any information in his or her possession which may be legally released and is necessary for the processing of grievances or complaints.
6. The Student-Faculty Relations Panel will recommend a solution to the complaint to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, in writing, within one calendar week after the hearing.
7. The Vice President of Academic Affairs or his or her designee will provide a written decision to the student within two calendar weeks of the receipt of the panel’s recommendation.
8. No reprisals of any kind shall be taken against any student for participation in any grievance.
9. Nothing in this procedure shall be construed to deny any student any rights or benefits guaranteed by law.
10. A grievance may be withdrawn at any level by the student filing the grievance.
11. All documents, forms, communications, and records dealing with a grievance shall be filed separately from the permanent record files of the participants. A copy of the formal grievance and its final disposition will be filed in the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
12. The student shall be entitled to be accompanied and advised by private counsel, ombudsman, or other representative, but he or she may not participate in the hearing.
13. All hearings are closed.

Grade Disputes

The student has ten working days from when the final grades are posted on the Pensacola State College Student Information System (SpyGlass) to initiate a grade grievance. After the ten day period, the student loses the right to file a grievance and no other administrative remedy or campus option is available.

Appeals of Academic Regulations and Policies

See Academic Regulations and Policies for appropriate procedures in petitioning for reinstatement in a class, appealing an academic suspension or dismissal, and appealing any college policy (graduation, late withdrawal, etc.).