Catalog 2017-2018

Hearings to Challenge Accuracy of Records

If, upon inspection and review of his or her record, the student believes that the record is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of his or her privacy rights, he or she has the right to ask that the record be changed or insert a statement in the file. Such request shall be submitted in writing to the registration and records office at the student's technical college.

The registration and records office shall process the student’s request and notify the student of the technical college's decision in writing. Should the request for a change be denied, the student will be notified of the technical college's decision and advised of the right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights. The student has 30 days to appeal the decision to the president and ask for a hearing.

On behalf of the president of the technical college, a hearing officer shall conduct a hearing at which the student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student's education records. The student maybe assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney. The hearing officer will consider only challenges to the accuracy of the records. Hence, whether or not a grade has been incorrectly recorded on a student's transcript may be considered but not whether the student should have been awarded a grade different from the one given.

The hearing officer shall prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final, save for any review that may be granted by the president of the technical college.

If the technical college decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's right of privacy, it will notify the student of the right to place in the education record a statement commenting on the challenged information and a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision. Such a statement shall become a part of the information contained in the education record and will be disclosed with it.

A student may make a specific waiver of access to evaluations solicited and/or received under condition of confidentiality.