S t u d e n t H a n d b o o k : C o m p l a i n t s , G r i e v a n c e s , G r a d e A p p e a l s & C o d e o f C o n d u c t
Grade Dispute: A grade dispute is NOT a grade appeal. A grade dispute deals with disagreements related to individual grades received on assignments, projects, test. If you have a dispute as it relates to an individual assignment, project or test, you MUST address that matter with the instructor one-on-one. Please be advised that the faculty member, not administration, has the final say on the issued grade for your assignment, test, project, etc...unless your dispute meets the following criteria: (a) the grade issued was issued out of unfairness or calculation error; (b) the grade issued was issued out of retaliation; (c) the grade issued was issued due to harassment. In such cases, the student needs to meet with the Department Chair and the instructor to resolve the single grade dispute. If the matter goes unresolved, and the single grade caused enough academic injury to cause the student to the fail the class, the student can provide the grade dispute evidence as part of the formal Grade Appeal packet (for consideration). Grievance: A grievance is filed when a student is not satisfied with the Formal Complaint Process findings and involves a formal hearing by a Grievance Committee. A grievance can only be issued after a student has adhered to the College’s formal complaint process and a Dean’s Resolution has been issued (in writing) and the student would like to challenge the decision reached. (See Formal Complaint Process for more information). Informal Complaint Process: The first or initial stage of LSCC’s complaint process is called the Informal Complaint Process. The Informal Complaint Process moves a complaint through the chain-of-command up to the departmental level. Typically, the majority of complaints end at this level. If a student is dissatisfied at this level, the he or she can file an official complaint using the Advocate system. In doing so, the formal complaint process is initiated. Retaliation: Retaliation is punishment received for filing a complaint. Students filing complaints should never fear retaliation. Retaliation for complaints issued is NOT tolerated on the campus of Lawson State. If a student feels he or she is being retaliated against after filing a complaint, they need to file a Retaliation Complaint immediately. Employees and students are subject to discipline if practicing any form of retaliation against a student or another employee after filing a complaint . Resolution: For the purposes of Lawson State Community College’s complaint, grievance and appeal procedures, the word “Resolution” refers to any decision reached in the complaint process, after facts, evidence and testimony (in some cases) have been reviewed. Resolutions are always mailed to the individual who filed the complaint. Unqualified (Third-Party) Complaints: Unqualified complaints are those complaints that come in from non-Lawson State students or unqualified external agencies. Such complaints are read but no formal action from the College is required unless the College feels it is appropriate (to take action). Students issuing an unqualified complaint should not expect a
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