Student Complaint Procedures for Academic and Administrative Matters Academic Matters. A student wishing to file a complaint regarding an academic matter should begin the following process within six months after the end of the semester in which the grade for the course was issued: 1. Consult with the instructor of the course in question. If an understanding or resolution is not achieved, or if this step is not feasible, the student may then: 2. Consult with the appropriate Department Dean. The Dean will consult with the involved faculty member and with the student and attempt to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. If an understanding or resolution is not achieved, the student may then: 3. Appeal in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The written appeal, detailing both the complaint and the results of their consultations with the instructor and with the Department Dean, should be delivered to the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. An appointment for consultation with the Vice President or Vice President’s designee may be scheduled at that time. The faculty member involved will be notified that the student has appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and be given a copy of the student’s written appeal. Within 15 days of notification via memo from the Vice President, the faculty member may choose to provide a written reply which shall be considered in the disposition of the complaint. The faculty member may also schedule an appointment to consult with the Vice President. Determinations and dispositions of complaints will be made by the Vice President of Academic Affairs of Schenectady County Community College within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint. The Vice President will consult with and notify the President of determinations and dispositions. The student will be notified in writing of the decision. Administrative Matters. A student wishing to file a complaint regarding an administrative matter should complete the following steps:
• Consult with the staff member who has responsibility for the matter in question. If an understanding or resolution is not achieved, the student may then:
• consult with the supervisor of the office or unit for a resolution of the complaint. If a resolution is to be appealed, the student may then:
• appeal in writing to the Vice President of the division that has administrative responsibility for that office or unit. The written appeal, detailing both the complaint and the results of the consultations with the staff member and supervisor should be delivered to the Office of the Vice President. An appointment for consultation with the Vice President may be scheduled at that time.
Determination and Disposition of a Complaint. The Vice President will respond to a written complaint within 30 days of receipt. The Vice President will consult with and notify the President of determinations and dispositions. The student will be notified in writing of the decision.
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Complaint Resolution for Distance Education Students. Students taking courses through a distance learning format may also file a complaint with their home state agency. The State Higher Education Executive Office (SHEEO) has provided a directory of Student Complaint Information by State and Agency at the following link: http://www.sheeo.org/stateauth/Complaint%20Process%20Links_ October%202011.pdf All Other Matters. A student who wishes to file a complaint regarding a College matter but is uncertain where to begin the process should begin with the Division of Student Affairs for referral to the appropriate office.