Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to establish a process for students to express and resolve misunderstandings, concerns, or grievances they have with any college employee in a prompt, fair and equitable manner. This procedure emphasizes an informal resolution.
In accordance with the Pierce College Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy, (WAC 132K-125-080, 090) the intent of this procedure is:
- to protect each student’s freedom of expression in the classroom;
- to protect each student from prejudice or arbitrary and capricious academic evaluation as evidenced by the student’s final course grade;
- to protect each student against improper disclosure of the student’s views, beliefs and political associations;
- to protect a student’s right to a learning environment that is free from unlawful discrimination.
Matters not grievable under this procedure
- Actions of other students
Actions by another student are not grievable under this procedure. Instead, they are subject to the Pierce College Student Rights & Responsibilities/Student Code of Conduct Policy (WAC 132K-125). Any student who believes that he/she has been the subject of actions by another student that are in violation of the Pierce College Code of Conduct shall request a meeting with the Vice President of Learning and Student Success (or designee) or the Executive Vice President of Extended Learning (sites) (or designee) to report the action. - Sexual harassment grievances against a college employee
Grievances of sexual harassment against a college employee are not grievable under this procedure. Any such grievances shall be reported to the Vice President of Learning and Student Success or to the Executive Vice President for Extended Learning (sites) (or designee). Appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the Pierce College Preventing Sexual Harassment Policy (1.17.0000) and related procedures. - Outcome of disciplinary proceedings
The outcome of summary or other disciplinary proceedings, as described in the Pierce College Student Rights and Responsibilities/Code of Conduct Policy shall not constitute the basis for filing a grievance. - Laws, regulations, and policies
Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations are not grievable. Additionally, college policies, regulations or procedures adopted by the college or the Board of Trustees and/or the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges are not grievable.
Withdrawal of grievance
At any time during the grievance procedure the student may withdraw the grievance. In addition, a failure by the student to appear for any scheduled hearing, without prior notification or evidence of extenuating circumstances shall constitute withdrawal of the grievance or appeal.
Time limits on filing a grievance
A student must file a grievance by the last day of the academic quarter following the action that gives rise to the grievance (excluding summer quarter). The appropriate Vice President may suspend this rule under exceptional circumstances such as extended illness, sabbatical leave or absence of one or both parties to the grievance. All grievance records will be held in the Office of the Vice President (or designee) for one year after disposition of the complaint, at which time they will be destroyed.
Administrative Authority
Administration of this procedure is the responsibility of the Vice Presidents of Learning and Student Success (Fort Steilacoom or Puyallup) or the Executive Vice President for Extended Learning (sites), or their designees.
Procedure
Any student believing that he/she has been unfairly treated by an employeeof the college, as described in the Purpose of this document, shall pursue the grievance as follows.
Informal Grievance Procedure
Step 1 - Direct Discussion with College Employee
The student shall meet with the college employee with whom they have the grievance, and in a good faith effort, attempt to resolve the dispute promptly and fairly.
**At this step, and all subsequent steps in this procedure, the student may utilize the college ombudsperson for support and assistance. Contact the Office of the Vice President for Learning and Student Success for the identity of the college ombudsperson.
Step 2 - Discussion with Supervisor, Division Chair or Site Director
If a satisfactory resolution is not reached after direct discussion with the individual with whom the student has the grievance, the student shall request in writing, a meeting with the appropriate supervisor, Division Chair or site Director using a Student Grievance Petition form. Petition forms are available in each division office, in the office of student programs, in the office of the Vice President, and in administrative offices at college sites.
The supervisor, Division Chair or site Director shall meet with the student within 10 business days after receiving the written request. The supervisor, Division Chair or site Director will investigate the grievance and take appropriate actions to facilitate a prompt and fair resolution. Results of the investigation, recommendation for resolution, and notice of the student’s right to appeal to the Grievance Review Committee shall be submitted, in writing, to all parties within 15 business days of the meeting with the student.
If the recommendation for resolution set forth by the supervisor, Division Chair or site Director is not satisfactory to the student, he/she may request a formal hearing before the Grievance Review Committee. This request must be made in writing, to the appropriate Vice President (or designee) within 5 business days of receiving the recommendation for resolution. The written request must clearly state: a) the nature of the grievance, b) details of what actions have been taken to resolve the grievance, and c) statement of requested resolution. Attach a copy of the recommendation for resolution written by the supervisor, Division Chair or site Director.
Formal Grievance Procedure
Filing a formal grievance is a serious matter and should be done thoughtfully.
If a student chooses to file a formal grievance, the following will occur:
Formal Grievance Review Hearing
The Vice President (or designee) who receives the request for a formal hearing will convene the Grievance Review Committee. The Grievance Review Committee shall meet within 21 business days after receiving the request. An extended time frame may be necessary to accommodate the college calendar. The Committee shall conduct the hearing according to standard practices as stated in the Student Rights and Responsibilities/Code of Conduct (WAC 132K-120-330). The committee may call any witnesses and hear any testimony needed to recommend a fair resolution to the grievance.
The chair of the Grievance Review Committee shall issue a written recommendation to all parties, within 3 business days after the conclusion of the hearing,
Composition of the Grievance Review Committee
Members of the Grievance Review Committee shall be assigned as follows, (consistent with the campus or site of the student grievant). The committee recorder shall be assigned by the Vice President who has forwarded the grievance.
- one (1) administrator, assigned by the college President. The administrator will act as the committee chair.
- two (2) faculty members, appointed by the President of the Faculty Association
- two (2) students, appointed by the appropriate student leadership organization.
Appeal to the Vice President
If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Grievance Review Committee, he/she may appeal to the appropriate Vice President, in writing. This appeal must be made within 5 business days of the student receiving the decision of the Grievance Review Committee.
The Vice President will review all documentation to include records of the case prepared by the Grievance Review Committee, together with any appeal statement, and shall deliver a decision to accept the recommendation of the Grievance Review Committee, or to take another course of action. A written decision shall be made within 10 business days after reviewing the case.
The Vice President’s decision will constitute final action by the college.
Cautionary Note:
Always follow appropriate procedures in pursuing any grievance. College rules prohibit the following:
- Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other college activities. Disruption or obstruction mean conduct which disturbs, interferes with, or prevents normal campus functions and activities. Examples include creating a disturbance by yelling, using profanity, or verbally intimidating or abusing others; or making excessive or unreasonable demands for immediate action, such as demanding an appointment or a response to a grievance on the spot.
- Failure to comply with directions of a college official or resisting or obstructing such officials in the performance of their duties.
Prior Rules
The rules contained in this document supersede all former rules relating to student grievances.
(Pierce College Corrections sites, Western State Hospital, Special Commitment Center, and Rainier School shall operate under their individual student grievance procedures.)
Last Reviewed: December 9, 2002.
