VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

best interest of the college and the college. If a resolution is reached, and the SGA President and SGA Officers are satisfied with the resolution the matter is closed. If the SGA President and SGA Officers are unsatisfied with the resolution or a resolution cannot be reached, the SGA President may, within seven calendar days of the failed resolution, file a formal grievance, in writing, to the Campus Dean (see procedures below for filing a formal academic grievance). Formal Non-Academic Grievances A concern that is non-academic in nature that was not resolved through the informal non-academic grievance procedures as described above may be addressed through the filing of a formal grievance. Following unsatisfactory resolution of an informal grievance, the SGA President or individual student may file a formal grievance within seven calendar days of the failed resolution. The formal grievance must be submitted in writing to the Campus Dean. The Campus Dean will meet with the appropriate parties (students, Course Directors, and Associate Deans) to seek a resolution that is in the best interest of the individual student, student body, and the College as a whole. The Campus Dean may resolve the issue or may appoint a Three-person panel to assist in finding an appropriate resolution. The Campus Dean will respond, in writing, within 14 calendar days of receiving the complaint. If the formal grievance concern was brought by the Class President, he or she will be notified, in writing, of the resolution, as will any other pertinent parties involved. If the formal grievance concern was brought by an individual student, the student will be notified, in writing, of the resolution, as will any other pertinent parties involved. The SGA President or individual student has the right to appeal the decision of the Campus Dean, in writing, to the Provost within seven calendar days of the failed resolution should they feel that the resolution does not follow college policy or was made with bias. In this case, the Provost will review the grievance and previous recommended resolutions and make a decision regarding final resolution of the matter. The Provost will generally respond, in writing, within 14 calendar days of receiving the appeal request. However, the decision may take 30 days or longer depending upon the investigation of the case. If the SGA President brought the formal grievance concern, he or she will be notified, in writing, of the resolution, as will any other pertinent parties involved. If an individual student brought the formal grievance concern, the student will be notified, in writing, of the resolution, as will any other pertinent parties involved. The decision of the Provost is final. Discrimination Grievances Students who feel they are being discriminated against on the basis of age, gender, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a protected veteran have the right to exercise the discrimination grievance procedure. Retaliation against any individual who files a grievance or participates in the grievance process is prohibited. Should a student or anyone who participated in the grievance process believes they have been subjected to retaliation, they may use the discrimination grievance procedures listed below. Step One: The Resolution Process Students who meet the technical standards and feel they are being discriminated against on the basis of age, gender, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a protected veteran shall first meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Director of Human Resources to explain their grievance within seven calendar days from the date of the action being grieved or the date the student became aware of the action. In the case the complaint is with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the student may request a private meeting with the Director of Human Resources. In the case the complaint is with the Director of Human Resources, the student may request a private meeting with the

248