POLICY AND PROCEDURES STUDENT GRIEVANCE 2023-2024

A student has the right to question a decision by a staff member, including allegations of discrimination in any phase of education programs and activities, and the application of rules of behavior, sanctions and other treatment.

The purpose of these procedures is to settle a grievance at the lowest level. The following procedures shall be used to submit a grievance:

1. If a student wishes to question a decision of an instructor or administrator other than the Director of the College the student shall first communicate courteously to the instructor or administrator.
2. If the student is not satisfied after talking with the person concerned, the student may submit an appeal, in writing, to the Director of the College to review the matter. Such an appeal shall be submitted within three (3) days of the incident. Student grievance appeal form: https://forms.gle/2XhCCMg5jiYKCFAt8
3. The Director may assign an Assistant Director to investigate the issue.
4. The Director or Assistant Director shall investigate the problem and shall render a decision on whether to sustain or overrule the decision of the instructor or administrator. The decision shall be given to the student, in writing, within five (5) business days of the written notice of appeal.
5. Any appeals beyond the Director shall be made according to the following order: Senior Director of Career, Technical, Adult & Multiple Pathways, Associate Superintendent, Teaching and Learning Services; Superintendent and the School Board of Polk County.
6. If the grievance is not settled at the local level, the student may contact Ridge Technical College’s accreditation agency: Council on Occupational Education Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
   1. 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, 770-396-3898
   2. 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, 404.679.4500