Guidelines for Student Complaints – Exhibit A

St. Clair County Community College endeavors to resolve student grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner. The following guidelines have been established to provide students at the college with a process for resolving concerns related to academic and/or support services.  When a concern arises that is covered by College Policy, including sexual harassment, sex discrimination and/or other categories of sexual misconduct, the issue should be referred to the Director of Campus Patrol and Safety, Title IX Coordinator at (810) 989-5509.

All others will be handled in the following manner.

Informal Resolution Process

• The student will meet with the faculty or staff member involved to attempt to resolve the concern.
• If a satisfactory resolution has not been reached, the student may seek resolution with the appropriate program lead, academic lead, or division administrator.

Formal Resolution Process

• If the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved with the program lead, academic lead or division administrator, the student has the option to meet with the Residence Life and Conduct Manager and follow a Formal Resolution Process.
  • Academic concerns including:
    • Quality of instruction, classroom environment, and other matters related to college programs
    • Process: Faculty Member → Program or Academic Lead → Division Administrator → Chief Academic Officer (CAO)
  • Student services and support including:
    • Quality and availability of services
    • Process: Staff member → Unit Administrator/Coordinator/Director → Chief of Human Resources
  • Grades including:
    • Major assignments and final course grades
    • Process: Faculty Member → Program or Academic Lead → Division Administrator → Chief Academic Officer
  • Allegations and disciplinary actions including Student Code of Conduct violations:
    • Process: Faculty/Staff Member → Program or Academic Lead or Division Administrator → Residence Life and Conduct Manager → Chief of Human Resources
  • Concerns about students or other concerns:
    • Process: Consult the Student Wellness Team, Residence Life and Conduct Manager , or Chief of Human Resources
  • Sexual or harassment and/or discrimination arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
    • Process: Contact the Director of Campus Patrol and Safety, Title IX Coordinator

If an issue cannot be resolved within the College structure students may file a complaint with a state regulatory agency or the college’s accrediting agency.

St. Clair County Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Contact HLC for instructions on how to file a complaint with the commission.

Students attending SC4 classes on a campus in Michigan or Michigan residents participating in SC4 distance-learning/online classes may file a complaint with the regulatory agency in Michigan. SC4 distance-learning/online students who are residing outside of the state of Michigan while taking SC4 classes may file a complaint with the regulatory agency in their state.

updated April 2022 by dpg