WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT

AGAINST A FACULTY MEMBER

If you, as a student, have a concern or complaint about a faculty member or an instructional
program, you must follow the steps listed below. If your complaint is about sexual
harassment or illegal discrimination, there is a different process to follow. Read the previous
section for a description of the discrimination complaint process.

Do each step in order.

STEP 1 INFORMAL MEETING - Talk directly to the faculty member involved. In almost all
cases, this will solve it. If this is hard for you, you may bring someone else with
you. Make an appointment, and if you are bringing someone with you, let the
faculty member know this. Before you meet, think about what you would like to
happen because of your meeting.

STEP 2 FORMAL LETTER - In the unlikely event that your meeting does not solve your
concern, write a letter to the faculty members immediate administrator. This will
be the appropriate dean or associate dean. See the chart on the other side of this
guide to know to whom you need to write.

In your letter describe the situation, provide dates and times, give examples, and
provide any documents that would help develop a fair solution for everyone. It is
courteous to send a copy only to the faculty member involved. The administrator
that receives your letter will also send a copy of your letter to the faculty member.

The administrator will send you and the faculty member a written response within
15 contract days after receiving your letter.

STEP 3 FORMAL APPEAL (vice-presidents level) - If you wish to appeal the decision of
the administrator, you have five contract days after you receive your written
response. Write a formal letter of appeal to the appropriate vice-president.
Include all the material you sent and received in step 2. See the chart on the
other side of this guide to know to whom you need to write.

The vice-president will send you and the faculty member a written response
within 15 contract days after receiving your letter.

STEP 4 FORMAL APPEAL (presidents level) - If you wish to appeal the decision of the
vice-president, you have five contract days after you receive your written
response. Write a formal letter of appeal to the president. Include all the material
you sent and received in steps 2 and 3.

The president will send you and the faculty member a written response within 15
contract days after receiving your letter. The decision of the president is final.

1
WHO TO CONTACT

Academic Professional Basic Skills Child and Student

Transfer Technical Family Studies Services

Step 1 Faculty Faculty Faculty Member Faculty Member Counselor

Member Member

Step 2 Dean of Dean of Associate Dean Dean Child and Does not Apply:
Instruction, Instruction, Learning Family Studies Go to Step 3
Academic Professional Resource Dept.,
Transfer Technical ABE

Step 3 Vice President, Instruction Vice-President,

Student
Services,

Step 4 College President

SOME GOOD IDEAS

Teaching and learning are complex processes and the expectations for each may
not always be clearly communicated or understood.

Most people try to do the best job they can and have the best intentions.

It is natural for people to have different ideas, opinions, or expectations.

Most differences are resolved by direct, courteous, and respectful

communications.

Think about what would be a reasonable solution for all parties.

Talk to someone like an advisor, counselor, or other faculty, or staff person, if you
have questions about this process.

Most differences are solved at Step1.

Be open to alternate solutions.