Steps to Resolution
Note: the informal process must begin within ten (10) days of the incident.
- Students should speak with their instructor about the concern and attempt to resolve the problem informally.
- Students who feel as though they are unable to speak with their instructor or resolve the situation should contact the instructional division area dean.
- If the issue is not resolved by meeting with the instructor and/or divisional dean, then the student should contact the Student Grievance Officer and initiate a formal grievance.
Filing a Formal Grievance
A student may file a grievance or grieve an action or decision of the district or one of its colleges when the student's status and/or rights have been adversely affected.
There are specific timelines and date limitations to file a formal grievance. The formal grievance process must begin within five calendar days of the attempted informal resolution.
- Students may not grieve grades unless they demonstrate "there is a mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence" in the giving of the grade. (Education Code, section 76224(a) and Los Rios Community College District Policy 2412).
- A student believing to have been adversely affected by an act of an instructor, administrator, or other staff of the college must make a reasonable, good faith attempt to resolve the matter within ten (10) days of the alleged act. This should be done on an informal basis by discussing the matter either with the staff member involved, or with the staff member's immediate supervisor.
- If a student does not meet the specific grievance timelines, the grievance is deemed waived and may not be pursued further.
- Within five (5) days of the completion of the informal process, and not later than twenty-five (25) days from the date of the alleged wrongful act, the student may file a formal grievance by submitting a Grievance Form to the college Student Grievance Officer.
- The college Grievance Officer will review the student's documentation and may interview the student to determine whether the complaint is grievable.
- If the Grievance Officer determines that the complaint is not grievable (meaning that sufficient evidence of the alleged wrongdoing is not provided or that the action does not fall within the scope of the grievance process), then the student will receive a letter to that effect. The Grievance Officer's decision on this point is final.
- If the college Student Grievance Officer determines that all the conditions for grievability have been met, the grievance will be referred to the designated hearing officer. Within ten (10) days from appointment, the Hearing Officer will schedule a hearing on the grievance.
- Failure of the student to file the completed grievance form within the above-specified time period shall constitute a waiver of any right to further proceedings.
- Fill out the Student Grievance Form.
- Send the completed form and any attachments to: Joann Ramirez, Dean of Student Services and Enrollment at ramirej2@crc.losrios.edu.
Grades
Grievances relating to grades are subject to Education Code Section 76224(a), which reads:
"When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student's grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetence, shall be final."
Additional Grievance Information
Issues that are not resolved at the college or district level may be presented via resources provided by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Complainants are encouraged to use the official form provided by the Chancellor's office, however, that form is not required and complaints will not be considered defective or rejected if you do not use the form.
- Behavioral Intervention Response Team (BIRT) - The Behavioral Intervention and Response Team (BIRT) addresses situations involving students who may be experiencing distress or who are perceived to pose a threat to the safety of themselves and/or our students, faculty, and staff.
- Discrimination Complaint - In addition to complaints being filed by students or employees, complaints may be initiated by other individuals or entities, such as a family member, representative, organization, or other third party wishing to file on behalf of an individual or group alleged to have suffered unlawful discrimination or harassment per Los Rios Regulation R-2423: Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedures.
- Sexual Violence and Title IX - Cosumnes River College is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment free of sexual harassment and violence. Sexual misconduct is prohibited by district policy and federal and state law. We will promptly respond to reports of sexual assault and take action to prevent any further misconduct and impose discipline (when necessary).
- Types of Harassment - It is a priority of Cosumnes River College to prevent and respond to all forms of harassment, including bullying, psychological harassment, racial harassment, religious harassment, stalking, mobbing, hazing, and backlash.
- Student Rights and Responsibilities - Read about student rights and responsibilities as outlined in the CRC Official Catalog.