san antonio college
Professional & Technical Education
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NON-ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE
SAC acknowledges the possibility that incidents may occur outside the academic setting that might result in a student feeling he/she is the object of unjust treatment by a College employee. This concern could include misconduct or a condition the student believes to be unfair, inequitable, discriminatory, or a hindrance to the student’s educational progress. This policy does not apply to decisions regarding financial aid eligibility, student disciplinary actions, or those pertaining to academic matters (see Academic Grievance Procedure above). Prior to initiating a formal grievance, the student should make a reasonable effort to resolve the problem with the person, or supervisor of the program, against whom the complaint is being made. This should occur as soon as possible following the protested circumstance. If the complaint is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the following formal grievance procedure can be initiated.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
1) “Grievance”: A claim that a student has been the subject of an unjust action or has been denied his/her rights by an employee of the College.
2) “Appeal”: An action taken to request a review of and possible change to the recommended resolution of the grievance.
3) “Working days”: Weekdays (Monday through Friday).
PROCEDURE:
1. Within 5 working days of the final informal attempt at resolution, a signed and dated written complaint should be made to the immediate supervisor of the person or program against whom the complaint is being made. All grievances must include the following:
A. Student’s name and contact information, including daytime phone number, mailing address, and email address (if available)
B. A full description of the grievance, providing relevant dates of events and I including the names of all parties involved
C. A statement describing attempt(s) to resolve the issue informally
D. The proposed resolution, relief or action sought
2. Upon receipt of the written grievance, the supervisor will review the document and meet with any or all of the parties cited in the grievance. The supervisor will render a decision within 10 working days. If either the student or employee is not satisfied with the decision and wishes to appeal, he/she must do so by submitting a written appeal to the dean of Student Affairs within 5 working days. In addition to a copy of the original grievance and supervisor’s decision, the student or employee must provide a brief statement justifying the appeal.
3. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the dean of Student Affairs will review the documents and investigate the request. The dean will render a decision within 10 working
days. If either the student or employee is dissatisfied with the dean’s decision, he/she has 10 working days to request it be reviewed by the executive vice president. In addition to a
copy of all information provided to the dean, the student or employee must provide a brief statement justifying the additional appeal.
4. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the executive vice president will review the documents and investigate the request. The executive vice president will render a decision within 10 working days. If either the student or employee is dissatisfied with the executive vice president’s decision, he/she has 10 working days to request it be reviewed by the College president. In addition to a copy of all information provided to the executive vice president, the student or employee must provide a brief statement justifying the continued appeal.
5. The president of the College is the final reviewer for SAC and will render a decision in writing within 10 working days of receiving the written request of appeal.
Flow Chart of Non-Academic Grievance Procedure