4.5  

The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student complaints. (See Commission policy “Complaint Procedures for the Commission or its Accredited Institutions.")

RATIONALE FOR COMPLIANCE JUDGMENT

Nashville State Technical Community College provides written policies regarding student grievance and appeal processes through the college catalog, college web site [1], Student Handbook [2], and the office of the Dean for Student Services.

Student grievances are filed and investigated through the office of the dean for student services.  Students are asked to submit their grievance by completing a student grievance / appeal form [3] and communicating with the dean for student services.

Student grievances and appeals may be processed in several manners.

Appeals associated with student conduct issues and due process procedures are outlined in the Student Handbook.  The student is given the option to have their appeal informally adjudicated by the college’s dean for student services, to request a hearing which follows the appeals process set forth in college handbook,  or to request a hearing pursuant to the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Act, TBR Policy: 1:06:00:05 [4] [5].

The grade appeal process is outlined in the Student Handbook [6] and grade appeal instructions and forms [7] are available in the office of the Dean for Student Services.