Section IV: Federal Requirements

4.5.  The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student complaints. (See Commission policy AThe Review of Complaints Involving the Commission or its Accredited Institutions.)

JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Compliance.

NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Northeast Alabama Community College demonstrates compliance in following adequate procedures in resolving student complaints and appeals. The college endeavors to provide a secure and just environment in which students may pursue their academic and career goals. “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” published in the college Catalog, addresses the following student rights:

·         Legal Rights

·         Right to Know

·         Rights of the Learner

·         Student Records (FERPA)

·         Freedom of Association

·         Due Process

The college also publishes the “Intellectual Property and Distance Education Course Ownership Policy” governing the development of distance education courses by students, faculty, and/or staff. This policy is published in the college Catalog.

In the event a student believes his or her rights have been violated, the college has specific procedures to address student complaints, published in the Catalog, available both in print and online. “Grievance Procedures and Due Process for Students” addresses general student complaints. The college ensures both substantive and procedural due process for any student complaint. Substantive due process requires that the rule or procedure itself be fair, and that the decision behind the rule have a sound basis. Procedural due process indicates that the procedures are fair. Notice, hearing, and explanation are considered the rudiments of procedural due process. The procedures provide students three opportunities for appeal and give students opportunities for both informal and formal resolution of their complaints. The procedures specify the number of days students have to appeal adverse decisions.

Further, the college publishes the following complaint-specific procedures in the Catalog:

·         ADA Grievance Procedure 

·         Disciplinary Procedures

·         Sexual Harassment Policy

·         Financial Aid Appeal Policy

The college maintains standing committees which hear appeals pertaining to discipline and financial aid. Committee procedures are published in the Faculty & Staff Handbook. The Faculty Council hears complaints of sexual harassment. Procedures for handling sexual harassment complaints are also published in the Handbook as are procedures pertaining to ADA and due process procedures.

Records of student complaints and resolutions are maintained in the Office of Admissions and Student Services. Historically, college practice has been to file Admissions and Financial Aid Appeals documents in individual student files. This practice will continue, but in order to improve the tracking and record keeping of student complaints and appeals, the Director of Admissions and Student Services has instructed that a master list also be maintained in the appropriate offices.

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