Judgment of Compliance: The College certifies COMPLIANCE.

Narrative:

At Wayne Community College, the Student Grievance Procedure provides students with a formal complaint policy. The "Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Judicial Procedures" document which details the policy is found in the WCC College Procedures Manual, and the WCC Student Handbook. A reference is also made to the document in the WCC General Catalog stating where it is found in its entirety.

The purpose of the Student Grievance Procedure is to provide a system to channel student complaints against faculty and staff concerning alleged discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, handicap, or other conditions, preferences, or behaviors, excluding sexual harassment complaints. Sexual harassment complaints are directed to the grievance officer appointed by the college President. Because of the sensitive nature of this kind of complaint, a conference with the grievance officer replaces the first step in the procedure (conference with instructor or staff member where the alleged problem originated). Academic matters, excluding individual grades, are also handled through the student grievance procedure.

Students with formal complaints are directed to the instructor or staff member where the alleged problem originated. An attempt is made to resolve the matter equitably and informally at this level. If the grievance is not resolved at the informal conference, the student may file a written grievance that is referred to the immediate supervisor involved. The supervisor will review the grievance and then respond in writing to the student. If the written statement doesn't satisfy the student, a request to appear before the Student Grievance Committee must be made in writing. Following procedures, the committee will decide by a majority vote the solution of the grievance and forward a copy of the decision to all parties involved and to the Office of the President. The committee's decision may be appealed by either party involved to the President of the college and finally to the Board of Trustees.

An alternative to the formal grievance procedure is an informal mediation process. A certified mediator is available through counseling services.

Students with complaints concerning grades will follow the grade appeal policy. The appeal must be made to the appropriate Division Head, who will review the situation with all parties involved and render a decision. If the decision doesn't satisfy the student, a further appeal may be made to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision will be final.

Records of complaints made by students are considered confidential. The records are maintained in the office where they are submitted. Access is granted only to persons with a "need-to-know" as defined by FERPA guidelines.