2. Informal Stage

Before filing a formal written grievance, the student shall attempt to resolve the matter by means of an informal conference individually and in sequence with the following (Note: This is the process for student grievances, NOT student discipline):

1. Step 1:    Initial Level—Any student with a grievance (the grievant) should discuss the problem directly with the person with whom the student has a grievance (the respondent). This discussion must take place within ten (10) days of the alleged incident or ten (10) days after the student learns of the alleged incident, whichever is later.
2. Step 2:    If the grievance is not resolved in Step l, the grievant must complete the Student Grievance Form, Section A and submit to the immediate supervisor of the respondent. The immediate supervisor will meet with the grievant and make every effort to resolve the problem with the grievant and the respondent.  This discussion shall take place within 10 days of completion of Step 1. The supervisor has ten (10) days to respond to the grievance.

3. Formal Stage

If the grievant feels the matter has not been resolved by the informal conferences in Steps 1-2 the grievant may submit a signed Student Grievance Form within three (3) days after Step 2 to the appropriate supervising Vice President.

The Vice President may render a final decision or refer grievances to the Grievance Hearing Committee. If the Vice President refers the grievance to the Grievance Hearing Committee, the student has three (3) days to submit the Grievance Hearing Form to the Grievance Officer. The committee will conduct a formal hearing within ten (10) days (except where the grievant specifically agrees in writing to a longer period). No person who was involved in any prior step should participate in the committee deliberations. The committee will render a final decision and send it to the Vice President who will inform the grievant.

Grievance Hearing Committee

The Superintendent/President or designee shall appoint a Grievance Hearing Committee as needed which shall be constituted in accordance with the following:

1. It shall include one student, one faculty member, one member of the classified staff and one College administrator.

2. No person shall serve as a member of a Grievance Hearing Committee if that person has been personally involved in any matter giving rise to the grievance, has made any statement on the matters at issue, or could otherwise not act in a neutral manner. Any party to the grievance may challenge for cause any member of the hearing committee prior to the beginning of the hearing by addressing a challenge to the Superintendent/President or designee who shall determine whether cause for disqualification has been shown. If the Superintendent/President or designee feels that sufficient ground for removal of a member of the committee has been presented, the Superintendent/President or designee shall remove the challenged member or members and substitute a member or members from the panel described above. This determination is subject to appeal as defined below.