5.0 Disposition of Alleged Violations of Student Rights

5.1 In Cases Involving Alleged Violations of the Academic Rights of a Student (section 2.0) (Administrative Policy 6.0-P Student Grievances and Appeals)

• 5.1.1 Responsibility of the Appropriate Administrator (Administrative Policy 6.0-P, 3.2 (B, 1-3)) *
  1. If a student encounters a problem in a class and wishes to file a grievance, the student should first speak with the instructor and try to resolve the issue. If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, the student should follow the remaining steps outlined below.
  2. If no satisfactory resolution is achieved with the instructor, the student may submit a formal written grievance. This grievance:
     1. Must specify the alleged violations as soon as possible following the occurrence of the violation.
     2. Must be submitted to the appropriate administrator at the college providing the class which is the subject of the appeal. These administrators may have the title of Division Chair, Program or Discipline Coordinator, Dean, or other title, which vary by college.
     3. May be submitted no later than five (5) business days after the first day of classes in the following semester. Untimely appeals will not be considered.
  3. Upon receipt of the student grievance, the administrator will attempt to resolve the issue. If no resolution is agreed upon by all parties within 15 business days, the administrator will refer the case to the College President/designee.
• Responsibility of the College President/designee (Administrative Policy 6.0-P, 3.2) (B, 4))
  • The College President/designee will attempt to resolve the grievance. If no resolution can be agreed upon within 15 business days, the College President/designee must notify the student in writing.

5.2 In Cases Involving Alleged Student Academic Offenses (section 3.0)

• 5.2.1 Responsibility of the Instructor (KCTCS Code of Student Conduct)
  • For instances of academic dishonesty related to earning grades, the College may utilize these three (3) steps (Article IV, A):
    1. Step 1
       Within ten (10) business days of the occurrence or discovery of the alleged student academic offenses, the instructor shall submit to their supervisor and chief academic officer a written description of the activity that resulted in the accusation of academic dishonesty and the sanction implemented as a result. The specific sanction depends upon the weight of the assignment in satisfying the requirements for the course.
       
       
    2. Step 2
       The instructor shall notify the student in writing of the academic offense, explain the sanctions, and inform the student of their right to appeal the fact of guilt and/or the severity of the sanction when a failing grade is assigned.
       
       
    3. Step 3
       Students may appeal an academic sanction using the process in Administrative Procedure 6.0-P, Section 3.2(C) Appeals of Student Academic Offenses.
• 5.2.2 Responsibility of the Appropriate Administrator* (Administrative Policy 6.0-P) (Administrative Policy 6.0-P, 3.2 (C,2))
  • Students who are not satisfied with the outcome of their protest to the faculty member may submit an appeal to the appropriate administrator. The administrator shall attempt to resolve student appeals to the satisfaction of the instructor and the student. If the administrator upholds the decision of the instructor, the student may file a written appeal to the College President/designee with ten (10) business days of receiving the administrator’s decision.
• 5.2.3 Responsibility of the College President/designee (Administrative Policy 6.0P) (Administrative Policy 6.0-P, 3.2 (C, 3))
  • The College President/designee shall review and attempt to resolve the appeal. If no resolution is reached within ten (10) business days, the student may submit a written appeal to the College President/designee requesting a hearing before the CAB.