Complaint Policies
Terra State Community Colleges believes many complaints can be resolved through an open, honest dialogue between the parties involved. In cases where that may not be possible, students and the general public are encouraged to use one of the appropriate complaint procedures below.
Instructional Student Complaints Policy
A student may file a complaint related to instruction. An instructional complaint is a grievance resulting from an incident or event at Terra State Community College related to lecture, laboratory, clinical, or similar class.
A student considering a complaint should always seek an explanation from the instructor. After being provided with an explanation, the student should seek a resolution to the matter. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may proceed with a formal complaint using the following procedure:
- Obtain a Student Complaint Form available from an Academic Division Office.
- Complete the Student Complaint Form and submit it in person or electronically to the Academic Dean in the Academic Division for the course related to the complaint.
- The Academic Dean, or designee, will contact the student within five business days of receiving the written complaint.
The Academic Dean or designee may indicate the need for an interview with the student or witnesses and may identify additional time needed for an investigation of the matter. A response to the complaint by the College will be provided in writing by the Academic Dean, or designee.
If the student is not satisfied with the College’s written response to the complaint, the student may compose a letter of appeal describing the initial complaint and explaining the reason for the dissatisfaction with the College’s written response. This letter should be addressed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and must be submitted within 10 business days after receiving the College’s written response. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, or designee, will act on the appeal and render a final decision in writing to the student.
Non-Retaliation: Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual discrimination, harassment, and/or misconduct and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or dismissal if they are a student.
Administrative Student Complaint Policy
A student may file a complaint related to an administrative process. An administrative process complaint is a grievance resulting from an incident or event at Terra State Community College related to a Board of Trustees policy, an administrative procedure, or an administrative regulation.
A student considering a complaint should always seek an explanation of the policy, procedure, or regulation from a College official. After being provided with an explanation, the student should seek a resolution to the matter. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may proceed with a formal complaint using the following procedure:
- Obtain a Student Complaint Form available at the office of the Associate Dean of Students, located in B105.
- Complete the Student Complaint Form and submit it in person or electronically to the Associate Dean of Students.
- The Associate Dean of Students, or designee, will contact the student within five business days of receiving the written complaint.
The Associate Dean of Students or designee may indicate the need for an interview with the student or witnesses and may identify additional time needed for an investigation of the matter. A response to the complaint by the College will be provided in writing by the Associate Dean of Students, or designee.
If the student is not satisfied with the College’s written response to the complaint, the student may compose a letter of appeal describing the initial complaint and explaining the reason for his/her dissatisfaction with the College’s written response. This letter should be addressed to the President and must be submitted within 10 business days after receiving the College’s written response. The President, or designee, will act on the appeal and render a final decision in writing to the student.
Non-Retaliation: Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual discrimination, harassment, and/or misconduct and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or dismissal if they are a student.
General Public Complaint Policy
A member of the general public may file a complaint related to communication, personal interactions, policies and procedures, or facilities provided by Terra State Community College. An anonymous complaint will not be accepted.
A member of the general public considering a complaint in encouraged to seek an explanation from a College official. After being provided with an explanation, the individual may seek a resolution to the matter. If the matter is not resolved informally, the individual may proceed with a formal complaint using the following procedure:
- Obtain a General Public Complaint Form available from the Office of the President, Building B, Room 207 or at terra.edu.
- Complete the General Public Complaint Form and submit it in person or electronically to the Executive Assistant in the Office of the President who will then forward it to the appropriate member of the President’s Cabinet.
- A member of the President’s Cabinet, or designee, will contact the individual within five business days of receiving the complaint.
The member of the President’s Cabinet or designee may indicate the need for an interview with the individual or witnesses and may identify additional time needed for an investigation of the matter. A response to the complaint by the College will be provided in writing by a member of the President’s Cabinet or designee.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the College’s written response to the complaint, the individual may compose a letter of appeal describing the initial complaint and explaining the reason for their dissatisfaction with the College’s written response. This letter should be addressed to the College President and must be submitted within 10 business days after receiving the College’s written response. The College President, or designee, will act on the appeal and render a final decision in writing to the complainant.
Non-Retaliation
Terra State Community College strictly adheres to and enforces a non-retaliation policy. Retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual discrimination, harassment, and/or misconduct and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the College. Any person who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or dismissal if they are a student.
The above mentioned policies are not designed to address the Equal Education Opportunity Policy and Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy. To learn more about these polices and complaint procedures please see our Non-Discrimination Policies.