4.5 Student complaints

The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student complaints. (See Commission policy “Complaint Procedures for the Commission or its Accredited Institutions.”)

Judgment of Off-Site Review Committee

Non-Compliance

Comments of Off-Site Review Committee

The college has a Non-Academic Grievance Procedure that is clear and widely published in the Bennett Belle Book.  It provides the student an opportunity to present complaints against any area or person at the institution in a fair and reasonable manner.  The Office of Student Affairs serves as a central clearinghouse to receive student complaints.  A sample of how a non-academic grievance within Student Affairs was provided, including the original student complaint form and the written response from the staff member documenting the intervention and resolution. 

The Off-Site Committee was unable to locate academic grievance procedures in the institution’s catalog, student handbook, or website. In addition, information regarding procedures for sexual harassment complaints was not found.

Bennett Focused Response

The academic grievance procedures for students are currently published in the College Catalog 2008-2009, p. 56.  These procedures are practiced by the College and now are published appropriately.  As it relates to sexual harassment complaints, the College has always published a policy to address the issue and now provides students with guidance in reporting any instances of sexual harassment.  Please see the Student Handbook, p. 17.

Supporting Documents

SOURCE	LOCATION/Special Instructions
College Catalog 2008-2009	Office of the Registrar
Student Handbook	Office of Student Affairs