In the event a dispute arises between a student and a college employee, students have a right to initiate the Student Complaint Policy and Procedures. Prior to initiating a formal complaint, the college expects that a student has:

1. Met with the college staff or faculty member to address the concern and to seek a resolution to the dispute.
2. If the student does not receive a satisfactory resolution after directly engaging the staff or faculty member, the student should try to meet with the staff member's supervisor.

Pursuant to MnSCU Board Policy 3.8; after trying to resolve the dispute with the staff or faculty member and/or their supervisor; if a student feels compelled to initiate a formal complaint, they must do so through the following steps:

1. The complaint will be submitted in writing by using the Student Complaint Form.
2. The form shall be filed with the Dean of Student Affairs.

Once the complaint has been received by the Dean of Student Affairs an investigation will be conducted within ten business days. If the complaint should involve issues of harassment or discrimination, it will be forwarded and investigated by the Human Resource Department.

After an investigation is complete, an informal review will be called between the student, the faculty/staff member, and the faculty/staff member's supervisor. The supervisor will issue a decision to the student in writing and copy to the Dean of Student Affairs within five business days. Should the complaining party disagree with the decision, s/he may request a formal appeal in writing by sending the appeal request to the Dean of Student Affairs or their designee.

The appeals process will be conducted as follows:

1. 1. The appeals committee shall consist of an Academic Dean or their designee, Dean of Student Affairs or their designee, and a faculty member. The academic dean in attendance will not have been directly involved in the initial investigation or decision. The faculty member in attendance shall not be from the student's program or classes in which the student is currently enrolled.
2. 2. The appeal will be conducted within ten business days of receiving the student's written request.
3. 3. The student shall be allowed to appear before the committee and bring supporting evidence and an advisor or advocate to the hearing. The advisor or advocate may provide advice to the student, but may not participate in the hearing. The appeal is not a legal process, so attorneys are not allowed to participate in the process.

The appeals committee will issue a decision in writing to the student within five business days of the hearing.

If the student disagrees with the appeal committee's decision, the student may appeal to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. The Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs shall issue a decision in writing to the student within ten business days of the appeal.

Finally, appeal decisions that have resulted from this process may be appealed to the College President for final review. The president shall issue a decision in writing to the student within ten business days of the appeal.

Pursuant to MnSCU Board Policy 3.8 and 3.8.1, if the student disagrees with the decision of the president on a complaint that involves Minnesota State Colleges and Universities policy or the actions of the College President, a student may further appeal the decision to the Chancellor. The decision of the Chancellor is final and binding.