Grievance Policy

Student–Administration Communication

A grievance is a legitimate complaint where upon the complainant believes he/she has fulfilled acceptable behavioral expectations in a circumstance but has been mistreated in some respect by another party.

In general, if a student desires to report or review the actions of an individual or department, he or she will need to direct their concerns to the supervisor of the individual or department. The following elements are an overview naming the responsible parties within this college community:

1. PERSONAL RECORDS

   Disputes regarding guidelines for student access to personal records should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

2. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

   The appeal process for disciplinary actions is outlined earlier in this handbook.

3. EMPLOYMENT

   A student desiring to pursue a grievance concerning employment with the College and who has been unable to secure resolution or satisfaction with his or her immediate supervisor may contact the Human Resource Manager.

4. GRADES

   If a student experiences difficulty with an instructor or questions a course grade, he/she should first approach the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that the instructor is aware of the concern. If the student does not feel resolution in the matter, he/she may speak with the appropriate Department Chair. If a student feels no resolution still, he/she may request a meeting with the Academic Dean to discuss the matter. The Academic Dean may request that the student write a letter of appeal to the Faculty Affairs Committee. If a matter is referred to the Committee, they will review the matter and their decision is final.

5. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

   Grievances related to discrimination on the basis of a disability should be reported to the Academic Services Offices, located in the Associates Campus Center building. Any student seeking a resolution on the basis of a disability must register as a disabled student with Academic Services and provide required documentation of disability.

6. RACE, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AND AGE DISCRIMINATION

   Grievances related to discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or age with regard to academic matters, should be handled through the appropriate Academic Dean. All non-academic matters concerning this type of discrimination should be directed to the Dean of Students.

7. GENDER DISCRIMINATION

   Discrimination on the basis of gender in student programs, activities or employment, with respect to the religious tenets of Rochester College, are prohibited under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendment of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Complaints concerning the violation of these acts should be directed to the Dean of Students.

General Student Grievance Procedures

In the event initial parties involved cannot resolve a problem, the following procedure should be followed:

1. A detailed grievance should be submitted in writing to the proper department head, supervisor, dean or administrator.
   1. The grievance should specifically state the name(s), address, telephone number, description of the incident, date, time, circumstances and witnesses relating to the incident
   2. The student should also state what resolution or remedy he/she is seeking.
   3. The written grievance must be signed by the student, hereinafter referred to as the complainant, and submitted within at least 30 days of the alleged incident or discrimination.
2. Appropriate supervisors, dean and/or administrators will promptly attend to the written grievance. All the parties have the right to:
   1. Be notified of the alleged discrimination, specific acts involved, and resolution sought.
   2. Know the source of the complaint.
   3. Be accompanied by an advisor for advisory purposes only at any proceeding.
3. The appropriate supervisor, dean or administrator will conduct an investigation. All parties involved will be afforded the opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the grievance.
4. The investigator or investigative team will compose a written document as to the validity of the grievance and terms of the resolution, if any. A copy will be forwarded to the complainant. If appropriate, discipline may involve one or both parties.
5. The investigator or investigative team will maintain all files and records relating to the grievances filed.
6. The final decision rests with the Administrative Team, made up of all vice presidents, deans and administrative personnel.

*These general procedures do not apply to applicants for admission or employment at the College.