Student Grievance Procedure

Purpose

The purpose of this grievance procedure is to provide students with an opportunity to resolve disputes while protecting the rights of due process of those parties involved.

Policy Statement

From time to time, disagreements may arise between students and other students or members of the College community. Students experiencing a disagreement over grades should refer to the Grade Appeal process in Belmont Operating Policy 750.0160.16, Grading Policy.

Persons Affected

All students of Belmont College.

Procedures

The grievance procedure must be initiated no later than 14 calendar days (two weeks) after the date of the incident.

• The student(s) with the grievance must first discuss the complaint with the person(s) involved. If resolution is not reached, then;
• The student(s) with the grievance should take the complaint to the Dean of Instruction.The Dean of Instruction will direct the student(s) to the appropriate supervisory personnel if the other involved party is a member of the College staff but not a member of the Student Affairs Department.
  • • If the appropriate supervisor of the other involved party cannot resolve the complaint, then the student alleging the grievance will prepare a written statement and deliver it to that supervisor within 14 calendar days (two weeks) from the date of the incident. The supervisor will then form a committee comprised of a faculty member, a member of the Student Affairs staff, a member of the administrative staff, and a student. The committee will be an ad hoc committee formed only to deal with the grievance as presented. The supervisor and the ad hoc committee will then have 20 calendar days to respond to the grievance. The decision of the committee will be final.
    • If the other involved party is a member of the Student Affairs Department, the student will be required to present in writing the nature of the complaint and deliver it to the Dean Instruction within 14 calendar days (two weeks) from the date of the incident. If resolution cannot be reached following receipt of the written complaint, the Dean of Instruction will form a committee comprised of a faculty member, a member of the Student Affairs staff, a member of the administrative staff, and a student. The committee will be an ad hoc committee formed only to deal with the grievance presented. The Dean of Instruction and the ad hoc committee will then have a 20 calendar days to respond to the grievance. The decision of the committee will be final.
    • If the other involved party is another student, then the student with the grievance will be required to present in writing the nature of their complaint and deliver it to the Dean of Instruction within 14 calendar days (two weeks) from the date of the incident. If resolution cannot be reached following receipt of the written complaint, the Dean of Instruction will form a committee comprised of a faculty member, a member of the Student Affairs staff, a member of the administrative staff, and a student. The committee will be an ad hoc committee formed only to deal with the grievance presented. The Dean of Instruction and the ad hoc committee will then have a 20 calendar days to respond to the grievance. The decision of the committee will be final matters of College Policy determined by the College Board of Trustees and the assignment of grades are not subject to action by the ad hoc grievance committees. Complaint information must be shared with the Higher Learning Commission; however, individual identities will be shielded.