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
Please note that the Grievance Committee works to adhere to outlined deadlines but students may experience reasonable delays depending on the case load of the Committee to hear all cases.
The Grievance Committee is an ad hoc committee and consists of student(s), faculty members, staff members and administrators, and one or more Vice Presidents (or designees). It is the responsibility of the Vice President (or designee) to appoint all committee members, and the appointer shall examine each member to ensure his or her impartiality. All Grievance Committee members held to strict confidentiality rules and are trained on conflict resolution techniques. The Grievance Committee (which includes the Vice President’s ruling) will make it findings and send its decision to the grievant (student) and the appropriate Dean (who filed the original Dean’s Resolution). Grievance Committee findings are final and binding and officially close the complaint at the college. No further investigate or remedy to the original complaint is required after a Grievance Committee has reached a final resolution of the complaint. 1. A Grievance Hearing is not automatically granted, but all challenges to a Dean’s Resolution are reviewed. The Grievance Committee can take the following actions after reviewing the facts presented in a formal grievance: a. Action 1: Full Denial. Uphold the decision issued in the Dean’s Resolution without granting a formal hearing. b. Action 2: Full Reversal. Overturn the decision issued in the Dean’s Resolution (without a hearing) and issue a new decision. c. Action 3: Modification. Modify the decision in the Dean’s Resolution (without a hearing). d. Action 4: Grant the Grievance Hearing in which the student is granted a full hearing and re-vetting of the circumstances with the Grievance Committee (and other third parties, if requested by the Committee).
2. The Grievance Committee will make the final finding (called the Grievance Committee’s Resolution ) and send the decision to the student, Committee members, the Vice Presidents, and the appropriate Dean. The student will receive the final resolution via certified and/or registered mail. The Grievance Committee’s decision is final and cannot be appealed at the college.
Step 6: Reporting to External Agencies: If an individual is still dissatisfied following Steps 1-5,
they can submit an external complaint to the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), following the outcome of the Grievance Hearing. To file a complaint with the ACCS or with Lawson State's accrediting agency, go to Lawson State's website and click on "Current Students". From there, click on the "Concerns/Complaints" link for students or employees. Once on the Complaint directional page, scroll down to Step 6 and follow the prompts to submit an external complaint or concern. NOTE: Steps 1-5 must be complete before moving to Step 6.
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