Student Grievance Policy

A grievance is a complaint by a student involving the interpretation, application, or alleged violation of College policies and procedures. A grievance procedure is used for issues other than student conduct code or Title IX policy violations. Please refer to the Conduct Code and Title IX Policy for those concerns. If a student believes a College official, faculty member, administrator, or student has acted improperly or inconsistently with ACC policies and/or procedures, the student may file a grievance. This may include, but is not limited to, misapplication or misinterpretation of policy, procedures, practices, or unfair treatment, etc. All grievances must be filed within 30 days of the incident.

The Grievance Procedure is designed to support and foster a fair, objective, respectful and ethical set of policies and procedures for resolution of disputes. The policies and procedures are designed to provide students with a process in which to protect the College and its students. Students, faculty or administrators who submit or support a grievance may not be subjected to retaliation. Incidents of retaliation should be immediately reported to the Campus Director of Student Affairs or Executive Director.

Matters that have been or are in litigation are not eligible for review or consideration using the grievance procedure.

Prior to submitting a formal grievance, student/grievant is encouraged to attempt a good faith resolution with the individual(s) at whom the grievance is directed using the following informal resolution process.

Students with concerns should follow the steps below:

• Level 1: Contact the instructor.
• Level 2: Contact the specific program leadership if unresolved with the response or satisfactory resolution from level 1.
• Level 3: Contact the Campus Director of Education if unresolved with the response or satisfactory resolution from level 2. The student will need to compose a complaint letter that includes all items listed under the guidelines for writing a complaint and submit it to their specific program leadership.
• Level 4: Contact the Campus Executive Director if unresolved with the response or satisfactory resolution from level 3.
• Level 5: Contact the College Director, Student Services at ACCFeedback@americancareercollege.edu if unresolved with the response or satisfactory resolution from level 4.
• Level 6: Contact the Co-President, Academics of American Career College if unresolved with the response or satisfactory resolution from level 5.

Guidelines for Writing a Grievance

1. 1. Compose a Letter. The complainant shall explain the situation completely and accurately in a well-written document that:
      1. Outlines the situation.
      2. States their position as to why the complaint needs to escalate.
      3. Requests the desired outcome or solution.
         
         Checklist for Submitting a Grievance 
         • Student name
         • Date of filing the grievance.
         • Program (For example: MA, DA, VN, PTA, RAD, etc.).
         • The department or individual the complaint is lodged against.
         • Location, date, and time the alleged incident(s) occurred.
         • Full names of all witnesses (First and last names, middle initial if available).
         • Reason or basis for grievance:
           • List the policy or procedure or standard that was allegedly violated.
           • Why is the action or behavior an alleged violation (description of the specific action or behavior that occurred).
         • Resolution or remedy being sought.
2. Be thorough. Please remember that the complaint documentation stating your position and desired outcome is a key component used to evaluate the situation, along with feedback from witness(es) or person(s) with direct knowledge, Program Directors, faculty, and administration.
3. Include any and all supporting documentation that will help clearly state and support your position.
4. Have questions? Please email ACC Feedback at ACCFeedback@americancareercollege.edu.