Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman
Reflecting Florida Statute 1006.51, K-20 Education Code, Pensacola State College has created the Office of Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman, which is accountable to the College President.
A student pursuing either a non-academic or academic complaint/ grievance may utilize 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.
The Coordinator of Student Activities and Leadership Development on each campus shall serve as the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman for his/her respective campus. Students are encouraged to consult with the Student Advocate/ Student Ombudsman regarding
- Guidance and advice regarding the informal and formal processes associated with complaints and grievances.
- Assistance in seeking a mutually agreeable resolution of the complaint.
- Assistance throughout the informal and formal processes associated with complaints and grievances.
- Comprehension of existing policies and procedures of the College.
If a student’s issue is related to academic standards of progress, graduation requirements, access to courses, or other academic policies, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will advise and guide the student regarding the existing informal and formal academic grievance procedures. The Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will initially endeavor to seek a mutually agreeable resolution of the student complaint, as stipulated by the existing informal academic grievance process.
If the informal resolution process fails to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will refer the student to the Student Academic Appeals Committee. If requested by the student, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will assist the student in completing the appropriate appeals form. The Student Academic Appeals Committee shall conduct a formal hearing and review of the documentation associated with the academic grievance. If requested by the student, the Student Advocate/ Student Ombudsman may serve as an advisor to the student during the proceedings of the Student Academic Appeals Committee. The Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman may not speak on behalf of the student, but simply advise and guide the student during the hearings. The Student Academic Appeals Committee shall make a recommendation to the Vice President of Academic Affairs or his or her designee. The Vice President of Academic Affairs or his/her designee shall review the student’s petition and interview the student if necessary. If requested by the student, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman may serve as an advisor to the student during the interview process. The Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman may not speak on behalf of the student, but simply advise and guide the student during the interview. The Vice President of Academic Affairs or his/her designee shall either uphold, deny, or modify the recommendation(s) of the Student Academic Appeals Committee.
If the academic complaint relates to alleged discrimination and harassment issues, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman shall immediately and automatically refer the student to the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity for guidance and assistance.
If the student issue is related to a non-academic complaint, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will advise and guide the student regarding the existing informal and formal non-academic grievance procedures. The Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will initially endeavor to seek a mutually agreeable resolution of the student complaint, as stipulated by the existing informal non-academic grievance process. If the informal resolution process fails to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will refer the student to the Director of Student Conduct who will convene an official hearing before the Student Judicial Review Board. If requested by the student, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman will assist the student in completing the appropriate Student Judicial Review Board Appeals Form. The Student Judicial Review Board shall conduct a formal hearing and review of the documentation associated with the non-academic grievance. If requested by the student, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman may serve as an advisor to the student during the proceedings of the Student Judicial Review Board. The Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman; however, may not speak on behalf of the student, but simply advise and guide the student during the hearings. The Student Judicial Review Board shall make a recommendation to the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee. The Vice President of Student Affairs or designee shall review the student’s petition and interview the student if necessary. If requested by the student, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman may serve as an advisor to the student during the review process. The Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman may not speak on behalf of the student, but simply advise and guide the student during the interview. The Vice President of Student Affairs or designee shall either uphold, deny, or modify the recommendation(s) of the Student Judicial Review Board.
If the non-academic complaint relates to alleged discrimination and harassment issues, the Student Advocate/Student Ombudsman shall immediately and automatically refer the student to the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity for guidance and assistance.