Academic Grievance Policy
A grievance is defined as any cause of distress that gives reason for complaint by any Champlain College student. Any student who has an academic grievance must follow this procedure:
- The student must first discuss the faculty member’s decision with that faculty member. The student then may appeal that decision to the division chairperson, who is the faculty member’s immediate superior.
- The faculty member may be present at the time of the appeal to the division chairperson and has the right to question the student.
- The student has the right to question the faculty member concerning the alleged grievance.
- Any findings of fact or any decision by the division chairperson for or against either party must be stated in writing, and copies must be provided to the faculty member and the student involved.
- Any decision of the chairperson may be appealed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee.
- Such an appeal must be made in writing within five days of the decision and must give the reasons for the appeal. All parties involved must receive a copy of the appeal at the time it is presented to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee.
- The Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee must meet with all parties involved in the appeal within 10 days after receiving the written appeal.
Any decision by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee may be appealed to the Appeals Committee (see Appeals Procedure).
At any grievance hearing, regardless of the level, all parties will be allowed to be represented by another person, to present evidence, to cross-examine witnesses and to see all evidence before the hearing takes place.
All decisions on any grievance hearing will be in writing and will be made available to all parties involved. Reasons substantiating the decisions must be included in the written document.
