Student Handbook

Student Grievances

How to File a Student Grievance (Informal to Formal Process)

The purpose of the grievance process is to provide a fair and timely way to resolve complaints when a student believes their rights, privileges, or student status have been negatively affected by a college decision or action.

⚠️ Before You File

You must attempt informal resolution first before a grievance can proceed to a formal hearing.

What CAN Be Grieved

You may file a grievance if you believe you have been negatively impacted by:

Course Grades – Only if there is evidence of:  Mistake, Fraud, Bad faith, Incompetence (Education Code Section 76224(a))

Acts or Threats of Intimidation or Harassment
(Note: This excludes sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination – see below.)

Unfair Disciplinary Action – If you were sanctioned without the right to a fair conduct hearing.

Violations of Free Expression Rights
Protected by the U.S. and California Constitutions and Education Code Section 76120.

A copy of the Student Grievance Procedures is available in the Student Affairs & Activities Office in Room 2002 in the Campus Center or click this link to go directly to Board Policy Administrative Procedure 5530

Step-by-Step: Informal Grievance Process

Step 1: Submit Informal Grievance or Complaint Form

• Click here: to submit your Informal Grievance Form

• Deadline: No later than last day of finals week of the quarter following the incident.

Step 2: Talk to the Involved Employee

• Meet with the faculty, staff, or administrator who was involved.

Step 3: Meet with Their Supervisor

• Typically a Dean or Administrative Supervisor.

Step 4: Meet with the Vice President

• The VP over the division (e.g., Instruction, Student Services).

Step 5: If Still Unresolved, File a Formal Grievance

• Must be filed within 30 workdays after the informal complaint was submitted.

• The Grievance Officer will assist with your Formal Grievance Hearing Request.

• Click here: to submit your Formal Grievance Form

If the complaint involves a grievance against another student, the grievant shall confer directly with the Grievance Officer, who will advise the grievant of his/her rights and assist the grievant in preparing a Statement of Grievance form

State Complaint Process

State Complaint Process Notice

Most complaints, grievances or disciplinary matters should be resolved at the campus level. This is the quickest and most successful way of resolving issues involving a California Community College (CCC). You are encouraged to work through the campus complaint process first before escalating issues to any of the following resources. Issues that are not resolved at the campus level may be presented To the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Learn more.