AR 5530: Student Complaints and Grievances

This regulation is designed to ensure that students have full access to their education in accordance with the Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) commitment to the rights and dignity of our students and the college’s philosophy on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Student complaints are classified into five categories: 1) grade disputes, 2) discrimination or harassment, 3) sexual misconduct and stalking, 4) disability issues, or 5) general.

Definitions

Grade Dispute: A process by which a student may seek a review and reconsideration of an assigned grade based on alleged procedural errors, misapplication of grading criteria, or other relevant concerns, addressed in accordance with established college policies and procedures.

Discrimination or Harassment: As defined by AR 3430, any unwelcome conduct, based on protected characteristics, that creates a hostile environment interferes with a student’s educational experience, addressed in accordance with established college policies and procedures.

Sexual Misconduct and Stalking: As defined by AR 3434: Prohibition of Sexual Harassment Based on Sex under Title IX

Disability Issues: Involves American Disabilities Act compliance concerns and complaints regarding alleged discrimination, barriers to access, or inadequate accommodations for individuals with disabilities, addressed in accordance with established college policies and procedures.

General: Complaints about the college, staff, administration, or faculty that involve expressions of dissatisfaction or concerns regarding various aspects of the educational institution, its employees, or academic programs, addressed in accordance with established college policies and procedures.

Informal Complaint: A report of conduct that a student feels violates their rights and MHCC policies or procedures where resolution is being attempted under the informal process of this procedure.

Formal Complaint/Grievance: A report of conduct that a student feels violates their rights and/or MHCC policies or procedures where resolution is being attempted under the formal process of this procedure.

Retaliation: Any behavior that negatively impacts the student because they filed a complaint or grievance.

All complaints can be submitted online on the MHCC website.

Any complaint that may lead to disciplinary action is confidential and discipline is subject to requirements under the collective bargaining agreements and the student code of conduct. The student has the right to a support person of their choosing during proceedings. Unless otherwise allowed by law, complaints must be submitted within 60 business days of the end of the term in which the complaint originated. Unless otherwise stipulated in collective bargaining agreements or by law, every effort will be made to resolve the complaint within 30 business days of receipt.

Procedures related to the complaint process and appeals process are found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities section of the MHCC website.

The vice president of student development shall develop and provide to the president for review an annual report of the number of students who filed a formal grievance. This report will disaggregate the students by race, age, gender, or any other characteristic identified by the president.

Adopted:        8/27/92

Revised:          8/11/98, 9/24/01, 9/23/08, 6/18/24

References: NWCCU Standard 2.C.2, 2.C.3, 2.D.2, 2.G.2