Grievance Introduction
The educational philosophy of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District set forth by Governing Board Policy 1300 states that "The Colleges recognize the worth of the Individual and the fact that individual needs, interests, and capacities vary greatly." With acceptance of this principle comes the recognition that divergent viewpoints may result and that a process by which these viewpoints can be aired and resolved must be established.
The purpose of this document is to provide a prompt and equitable means for resolving student grievances. In the pursuit of academic goals, the student should be free of unfair or improper action by any member of the campus community. The grievance procedure may be initiated by a student who reasonably believes he or she has been subject to unjust action or denied rights that have adversely affected his or her status, rights, or privileges as a student. It is the responsibility of the student to submit proof of alleged unfair or improper action.
Grievances pertaining to grades are subject to the California Education Code Section 76224(a) which states: "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 faculty member of the course and the determination of the student's grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or in competency, shall be final."
This Student Grievance and Due Process Procedure does not apply to the challenge process for prerequisites, co requisites, advisories, and limitations on enrollment; an appeal of residence decision determination; or the determination of eligibility, disqualification, or reinstatement of Financial Aid. These processes should be directed to the administrator in charge of the specific area of concern. Alleged violations of sexual harassment policies, actions dealing with student discipline, alleged discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, or physical and mental disability should be directed to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. This procedure does not apply to police citations (i.e. "tickets"). Complaints regarding citations should be directed to the Public Safety Office.
If it is reasonable to conclude that, if substantiated, discipline of an employee may follow from a violation; such grievance is not subject to this process. Allegations of this nature will be directed to the appropriate college administrator.
If the grievance is predicated on an alleged unlawful discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, a complaint may be filed with the:
Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
District Office
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020
Information about grievance procedures and a copy of this document should be available to grievant(s) and/or the student respondent(s) upon request.
The appeal procedure for eligibility, disqualification, and reinstatement of Financial Aid may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office. Information about other procedures is listed in the schedule of classes, the College catalog, or may be obtained from the Chief Student Services Officer.