2003-04 Student Handbook - Spelman College: Home

1.2.The Student Grievance Form for Non-Academic Issues form should stateand specify the following information:• The type of grievance• By whom and what reason the students seeks the grievance• Give a date or dates, names, addresses,(if applicable) and namesof any witnesses• What reasonable remedy and/or solution is being sought(consistent with college policy)The written grievance must be signed by the student and filed as close tothe incident as possible of the alleged incident and/or grievance. Determinationas to whether complaints filed after this deadline will be consideredon a case by case basis.3. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will follow its conceptof "reasonable fairness" in seeking to resolve the matter. All partiesinvolved with the grievance will be notified of the complaint and/or grievance,may know the source of the complaint, and allowed an opportunityto provide pertinent information in an effort to address the grievance.Grievances Regarding Student Services, Non-AcademicDepartments and General GrievancesGrievances regarding student services, non-academic departments andgeneral grievances will be forwarded to the appropriate office for resolution.The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will forward the studentgrievance form and maintain copies of all pertinent files and records relatingto the grievance filed.All other grievances will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. If the grievancerelates to a department or concern not under the jurisdiction of the VicePresident for Student Affairs or Academic Dean, the appropriate Collegerepresentative will be contacted as well the appropriate department head.4. In some instances, such as cases regarding disciplinary action, personalrecords, sexual harassment and discrimination, an investigation may beappropriate and conducted by the Office of the Vice President for StudentAffairs. The investigation process generally is completed within thirty (30)College working days from when the written allegation is filed.5. A written determination as to the validity of the grievance and a descriptionof the resolution if any will be issued by the Associate Dean of Studentsand a copy forwarded to the student with the complaint and/or grievance.6. To the extent possible within legal privacy considerations, the AssociateDean of Students will review the grievance and notify the student with thecomplaint and/or grievance of the resulting determination in writing. Apossible solution for resolution may involve mediation.7. The right of a student to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaintfiled will not be impaired by the student's pursuit of other remedies,such as filing of a complaint with the responsible federal department oragency. Once the resolution is finalized, the process is complete. Thereare no appeals to a final resolution.1920