Student Grievances

In the pursuit of academic studies and other college-sponsored activities that will promote intellectual growth and personal development, each student should be free of unfair and improper action by any employed member of the academic community. When a student feels subjected to such unjust action or denied rights as stipulated in published College regulations, state or federal laws, redress can be sought according to the grievance procedure. Grievance action may be initiated by the student against an instructor, an administrator, or a member of the classified staff. A student disturbed by acts of another student should bring the acts to the attention of the Vice President of Student Services. (AP 5530)

The purpose of this procedure is to provide a prompt and equitable means of resolving student grievances. These procedures shall be available to any student who reasonably believes a College decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights or privileges as a student. The procedures shall include, but not be limited to, grievances regarding:

• Sex discrimination/complaints as prohibited by Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 shall be resolved using the procedure described in Administrative Procedure. AP 3430.1
• Sexual harassment complaints shall be resolved using the procedure described in Administrative Procedure 3430.1
• Financial Aid
• Illegal discrimination shall be resolved using Board Policy/Administrative Procedure 3430
• Course grades, to the extent permitted by Education Code Section 76224(a), which provides: "When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student's grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence, shall be final." Student concerns regarding the awarding of grades (except as a result of actions described above as grounds for student grievance), shall be resolved through petitions for a change of grade, AP 4231. Grade change petitions are available from the Vice President of Student Services.
• The exercise of rights of free expression protected by state and federal constitutions and Education Code Section 76120.
• One or more acts of intimidation, harassment, or physical aggression, or a reasonably perceived threat of same.
• Arbitrary, capricious, or improperly discriminatory action affecting the evaluation of, or impeding the progress of, the student's academic performance or achievement.
• Improper or unwarranted imposition of discipline
• Infringement of any right specifically granted to the student by a duly established College rule or regulation.