Federal Requirements 4.5: Student Complaint Procedures

The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student complaints.

Judgment of Off-Site Review Committee:  Non-Compliance

Comments:  The committee finds that procedures for addressing student grievances or complaints exist in the College procedures manual and the student handbook, but the documentation does not demonstrate that it follows these procedures when resolving student complaints.

The onsite committee should review documentation that the college follows procedures when resolving student complaints.

College Focused Response:  The committee found that the procedures for addressing student grievances or complaints exist in the College Procedures Manual and the student handbook, but the documentation does not demonstrate that it follows these procedures when resolving student complaints.  In order to address the committee’s concern for lack of documentation that demonstrates applying the procedures to resolve student complaints, the following examples are provided as evidence that student complaints are addressed in accordance with the WCC College Procedures Manual and the WCC Student Handbook.

March 12, 2002 is a situation whereby a former WCC student filed assault and damage to personal property complaint against another WCC student.  The alleged violation and specific Wayne Community College Code of Conduct (Section 3, paragraph E), is found in the Students’ Rights, Responsibilities, and Judicial Procedures document in the WCC Student Handbook.  A copy of the due process beginning on or about March 11, 2002 through March 27, 2002, is provided in chronological order by date.  The student was given restrictive probation for the remainder of Spring and Summer semesters 2002 and was further advised any violation of the Student Code of Conduct or of the terms of the probation would result in immediate suspension from the college.  The student subsequently appealed the decision on March 13, 2002.  The Disciplinary Review Committee convened on March 25, 2002 to evaluate the appeal and after hearing all the evidence the committee unanimously concurred with the original finding of restrictive probation for the remainder of Spring and Summer semesters 2002.  The Director of Counseling Services advised the appellant by letter on March 27, 2002, of the committee’s decision. 

May 6, 2002 is a situation whereby a violation of the Wayne Community College Code of Conduct (Section 3, paragraph A), Students’ Rights, Responsibilities, and Judicial Procedures document in the WCC Student Handbook occurred.  In this particular situation the student was charged with academic dishonesty resulting from a makeup test taken in the Academic Skills Center by someone other than the student.  The student subsequently turned the work in as the student’s own work.  A copy of the due process beginning on or about May 1, 2002 through May 6, 2002, is provided in chronological order by date.  This student was given a grade of zero on the test in question with no opportunity to retest.  The final grade was dropped by one letter grade at the end of the semester.  The student did not appeal this action.

As a result, the college certifies compliance with this federal requirement.