Policies

Stanly Community College recognizes the importance of a prompt and efficient resolution process for both academic as well as non-academic student grievances.  The primary objective is to ensure that students have the opportunity to present grievances to the College regarding a certain action or inaction by a member of the college community and that the College has a consistent way of resolving those grievances in a fair and just manner.  

This policy will apply to grievances that are not governed by other specific grievance procedures such as but not limited to Title IX.

Informal Resolution. Prior to taking formal action, the student is strongly encouraged, but is not required to discuss their grievance with the person alleged to have caused the grievance. The discussion should be held as soon as the student first becomes aware of the act or condition that is the basis of the grievance. As an alternative, the student may wish to present their grievance in writing to the person alleged to have caused the grievance. In either case, the person alleged to have caused the grievance must respond to the student within five (5) school days for non-academic grievances or three (3) days for final grade appeals, either verbally or in writing.

Formal Resolution. If a student decides not to present their grievance to the person alleged to have caused the grievance or if the student is not satisfied with the response, he or she may present the grievance in writing, by completing the Student Appeals Form, to the administrator of the department or area where the person alleged to have caused the grievance is employed. Any such written grievance must be received by the administrator no later than five (5) school days after the student first became aware of the facts which gave rise to the grievance. Final grade appeals will be subject to a three (3) school day submission period. The student will be assigned a counselor to serve as an advocate and to provide support during the grievance process. The student will be supplied with the counselor’s name and contact information upon submission of the grievance. The administrator will investigate as warranted to resolve any factual disputes. Based upon the investigation, the administrator shall determine and submit their decision in writing to the student and to the person alleged to have caused the grievance within five (5) school days of receipt of the written grievance. Final grade appeals will be subject to a three (3) school day response period.

Appeal Procedure. The only permissible basis for an appeal is a procedural error or previously unavailable relevant evidence that significantly impacts the outcome of the case. The Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer) will determine if the appeal will move forward.

The request must be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer)’ Office within three (3) school days after receipt of the administrator’s decision. A student must submit the original written grievance (Students Appeal Forms) together with the administrator’s written decision to the Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer).

The Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer) may delegate another administrator to act on their behalf i.e. (Vice President of Academic Affairs or Dean of Students). The Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer) may direct that further facts be gathered or that additional remedial action be taken. Within five (5) school days (5 days for final grade appeals) of receipt of the appeal, the Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer) shall submit their decision in writing to the student and to the person alleged to have caused the grievance. The written disposition shall include the reason for the decision. The decision of the Vice President of Administrative & Financial Services (Chief Financial Officer) will be final.

Time Limits. If the student fails to meet the time limits at any step the grievance is automatically considered dropped. If college personnel, at any step, fail to meet the time limits, the grievance will be automatically advanced to the next step unless additional information is requested by college personnel.

Please note that the time associated with the student appeals process may hinder progression into the following semester in certain types of academic programs.

Revision: 2/13/2017, 07/25/2022 (procedures)