Policy

Cecil College student who wishes to file a grievance should first attempt to resolve the issue at its source with the instructor or staff member involved. Should such a resolution be impossible, however, the student may pursue the following steps if he/she wishes to file a grievance. There are two grievance tracks: (1) academic grievances, such as grade disputes and academic dishonesty issues; and (2) all other matters, such as schedules, fees, materials, and property. It is the philosophy of Cecil College that a grade is based on the expert judgement of the instructor. The College administration will not attempt to substitute his/her judgement for that of the instructor. In a grievance involving a grade, the administrator will try to determine if the grade was arrived at in an equitable manner, that is if the same standards were applied to all students in a particular class.

Procedures

1. Grievances:
1. Academic Grievances: Students wishing to appeal a grade, dismissal from an academic program because of insufficient academic progress, or a decision involving academic dishonesty should first arrange a conference with the instructor. Should the grade/decision involve progress or dismissal from a program such as Nursing, the student will also hold a conference with the Director of the program or the Department Chair.
2. Non-Academic Grievances: Students wishing to appeal non-academic matters, such as decisions regarding property, scheduling, etc.,should first confer with the faculty or staff member involved.
2. Should no solution be reached in Step 1, the student, within five working days after the outcome of the conference has been determined, should contact the appropriate Dean* by submitting a written petition, which should include a detailed statement of the problem, a summary of the results of Step 1, and the rationale for pursuing a grievance.
   *Students wishing to file an academic grievance should file it with the Dean for Academic Programs. All other issues should be directed to the Dean of Students & Institutional Effectiveness.
3. The Dean will gather and analyze appropriate information. Should the Dean deem it necessary, he/she has the option of convening and chairing a committee (comprised of at least one faculty member, one student, and one staff member from Enrollment and Student Support Services selected by the Dean) to help evaluate the student’s petition through interviewing parties involved in the grievance and gathering and reviewing materials pertinent to the case. The decision at this stage of the grievance will be made by the Dean based on the facts that have been gathered.
4. Within five working days after completing the investigation, the Dean will, by registered mail, notify the student of his/her decision.
5. The decision of the Dean of Student and Institutional Effectiveness or the Dean of Academic Programs is final.