WAC 495A-121-091   Student complaints.  (1) Step one. The student shall first determine if a formal written process is required by securing the student petition form. If not, an information meeting with the instructor/staff member should be scheduled by the student to resolve the concern(s).

     If an informal meeting does not resolve the concern(s), within ten working days from the time the event occurred or that the student knew, or reasonably should have known of the grievance, the student may present the grievance in writing to the instructor involved with a copy sent to the vice-president for student services. Within ten working days after receiving the grievance, the instructor shall respond to the grievance in writing.

     (2) Step two. If the grievance is not resolved at step one, the student may within ten working days of the receipt of the written response, appeal to the area director/associate director by submitting the appropriate copy of the grievance form and all documents from step one to the area director/associate director.

     (a) The director/associate director shall hear the grievance within ten working days after receipt of the grievance form and shall render a decision in writing within ten working days after such hearing.

     (b) The student shall be afforded an adequate and fair opportunity to fully present his/her position and the relevant facts as they relate to the issues raised by the grievance.

     (3) Step three. If the grievance is not resolved at step two, the student may within ten working days of receipt of the written response, provide the appropriate copy of the student grievance form and a written appeal, accompanied by documents and correspondence, to the vice-president for student services.

     (a) The vice-president for student services shall hear the grievance within ten working days after receipt of the written appeal and shall render a decision in writing within ten working days after such hearing concludes.

     (b) The student shall be afforded an adequate and fair opportunity to fully present his/her position and the relevant facts and issues to be addressed in the grievance.

     (c) The decision of the vice-president for student services shall be final and binding on all parties involved in the grievance.

     (d) Any settlement of the grievance shall be applicable to that grievance only and shall not be a precedent or have binding effect or disposition on any other grievances of similar nature.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140(10). 00-11-147, § 495A-121-091, filed 5/24/00, effective 6/24/00.]