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  (Georgia Board of Regents)

Student Complaint Procedure: Formal

Procedure: Student Complaint Procedure: Formal
Department: Student Services
Contact: Ms. Ellen Dyal at 449-7563

Purpose

The formal complaint procedure is designed to resolve problems for students who are having difficulties with other students or staff that cannot be resolved through the informal complaint process or that you choose to have investigated and judged in a formal setting. Although the process is confidential, identity cannot be withheld from the person accused.

Timelines

The formal complaint procedure is set up to take no more than 50 working days. To have remedy under the formal complaint process, complaints must be filed within 30 days of the incident. Complaints filed more than 30 days after the incident will not be accepted.

Record Keeping

All records of the formal complaint process, including the complaint form and all reports and findings, are the property of the college.

A formal complaint report that summarizes all formal and informal complaints may be forwarded to the President, Vice Presidents and division/department heads on a periodic basis.

How to File a Formal Complaint

Step 1: The complainant completes a formal complaint form. Forms are available in the office of the Vice President and Dean, ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) liaison, Student Life, and Division Chairs.

Step 2: The complainant returns the complaint form to the Office of Student Life.

Step 3: An investigation will begin and student advocate may be assigned. The Director of Student Life will begin an investigation into the facts of the matter and may assign an advocate. Written notification of the complaint will be provided to the accused within five working days of receiving the complaint.

Step 4: The Director of Student Life may refer the case to a hearing committee or issue a decision. The Director of Student Life notifies the complainant and the accused of the findings. Notification of findings will be sent within 21 working days of the complaint being filed. The complainant will receive the results of the investigation in writing. The complainant will review the findings and decide if they are satisfied with the results. If they are not satisfied with the results, they may proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: The complainant may appeal the ruling by notifying the Vice President and Dean in writing within five days.

Step 6: A final decision is made. The Vice President will make the final decision on the appeal and notify the complainant and the accused in writing within 10 working days.

Step 7: Any appeal of the Vice President's decision must be made, in written form, directly to the President within 5 working days of the initial appeal decision being issued.