A grievance is a complaint that a specific decision or action affected the student’s academic record or status, violated published College policies and procedures, or was applied to the grievant in a manner different from that used for other students. The grievance process is not designed to resolve disputes between an individual and an institution where other College policies and procedures exist. The grievance process is only intended to be used to settle disputes after all other College processes have been exhausted. This policy does not limit the institution's right to change rules, policies or practices.

Clarkson College complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws relating to discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, veteran's status, or marital status. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Office of Civil Rights, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 at 816.268.0550.

Grievances may also be filed with the state of Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Post-secondary Education to the Office of Nebraska Attorney General’s office, 2115 State Capitol, Lincoln, NE, 68503, and 402.471.2682, or the Consumer Protection Division (toll-free) at 800.727.6432.

Retaliation is prohibited. The College prohibits taking negative action against any person for exercising their rights in using the grievance policy and procedure.

Student Grievance Process

Step 1: All other College processes have been exhausted (i.e. other applicable policies and procedures and appeals or at a minimum an informal meeting has occurred to speak with the person/department chair regarding and directly involved in the complaint). If the outcome is still unsatisfactory, then the grievant will move to step 2 of the process.

Step 2: The student must complete a Grievance Form, which can be obtained from the Student Services office or the Clarkson College website. The student must provide strong, documented evidence and submit the completed Grievance Form to the vice president of Academic Affairs (VPAA) office no later than 30 business days from when the incident occurred or all other College processes have been exhausted. A grievant may provide statements from witnesses as part of their information and evidence.

Step 3: The grievant and any other parties involved should also be aware that they may be asked to present written information/evidence related to the grievance in which they are involved, before a Grievance Committee meeting, 2 if applicable. The VPAA office after receiving the signed grievance form from the student will send the grievance information request form to parties identified by the students, if applicable.

Step 4: The VPAA will initiate and facilitate the college Grievance Committee’s response to the student’s grievance, within 14 business days, and will provide a written response of the outcome within five (5) business days of the decision.

Step 5: The VPAA office will form and facilitate the Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee is the designated arbiter of disputes for the College community. All parties must agree to arbitration, and be bound by the decision with no right of appeal. All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and resolved.

The Grievance Committee shall be composed of an Academic Council member, one faculty member from the executive committee of Faculty Senate, one student government representative, one director from Student Services, and the VPAA; totaling five members. Committee members must be deemed to not have any conflicts of interest with regards to any part of the dispute, and no individual indentified in the evidence will be included. The VPAA will chair called meetings and gather all pertinent information. The VPAA will only vote in the case of a tie.

1. Members will be appointed by the VPAA as per the above criteria.
2. The VPAA procedures for the administration of the academic grievance process and procedural rules for the conduct of the committee hearings are attached below.
3. The VPAA office will communicate the results to the grievant via their College email account and certified mail, as well as provide a copy to the student’s program director, registrar, and any parties involved.
4. The VPAA office will track the number of grievances.
5. Decisions made by the Grievance Committee shall be final.

Student Grievance Form:

https://www.clarksoncollege.edu/default/assets/File/StudentGrievancePolicyForm.pdf