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Department Chair, who will then attempt to resolve the matter between the student and the instructor. If the grievance is against the Department Chair, the student should proceed to step 3 below.

Department Chair - In the event that a student perceives that he/she has not received satisfactory resolution to the issue from a discussion with the faculty member involved, or if a student prefers not to discuss his/her concerns directly with the involved faculty member, the student may schedule a conference to discuss the matter with the department chair (or equivalent). Such discussion must be initiated by the student within seven (7) business days after the final discussion with the faculty member. During the conference, the student must provide the chairperson with a copy of his/her written appeal and/or grievance. The department chair will review the complaint, render a decision and provide the decision, in writing, to the student and to the involved faculty member, within seven (7) business days of receipt of the student’s report of an unresolved issue. If the department chair is the involved faculty member, this step should be skipped.

Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee - Only in instances when all established College procedures have been exhausted will it be appropriate for the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) to consider a final appeal from a student. Generally, the Vice President will consider only those appeals that either demonstrate violations of due process or evidence that prior proceedings resulted in a decision contrary to college policies and procedures. Either party to a grievance appeal – whether instructor or student – may appeal the decision of the Chairperson to the VPAA, in writing, within ten (10) business days following notice of the Chairperson’s decision. A written reply to the other party must be filed within ten (10) business days after receipt of the appeal. The Chairperson’s decision shall be “stayed” pending appeal. The VPAA has discretion to determine the information and procedure that he/she will utilize in deciding each appeal. Should the VPAA not find reasonable grounds for the student’s appeal, the Vice President will issue a formal decision regarding the appeal, within fifteen (10) business days of receipt of the appeal. However, if the VPAA deems it necessary to hear additional evidence, he/she will convene the Academic Appeals Committee within twenty (10) days of receipt of the appeal.

The Academic Appeals Committee will convene hearings as necessary to allow the involved parties the opportunity to present their cases to the committee in a fair and expeditious 89