Academic/Classroom Concerns

For concerns related to faculty/instructor teaching, course content, or student status in competitive academic programs, the student should first attempt resolution directly with their faculty/instructor or program coordinator (in the case of competitive academic programs). This requires direct communication from the student while outlining their specific concern. Students should allow appropriate time for a response. If not satisfied, the next step would be for the student to share their concern with the respective academic division director (for credit courses) or program coordinator (for non-credit courses); a student can seek assistance through the online Need Help? form (under the Current Students tab) or the Registration & Student Support suite (Student Center) for help identifying the appropriate division director. If still not satisfied after communicating with the division director, the student may share their concern with the VPAASS (for credit programs and PALS classes) or Dean of WSCE (for non-credit programs). As a last resort and when applicable, students may defer to the formal Student Grade Appeal Process or the General Grievance Procedure for Students (both are outlined in the Student Handbook).

Outside of the Classroom Concerns

For concerns related to non-classroom matters, the student should first attempt resolution directly with the employee involved. This requires direct communication from the students while outlining the specific concern. Students should allow appropriate time for a response. If not satisfied, the next step would be for the student to share their concern with the employee’s direct supervisor; students can seek assistance through the Need Help? form or the Dean of Students Office (Student Center 142) to identify the direct supervisor. If still not satisfied, the student may share their concern with the VPAASS (for academic office employees), Dean of Students (for student affairs office employees), or the Vice President for Administration & Finance (for student financial aid, finance office, food service, and campus store employees). As a last resort and when applicable, students may use the formal General Grievance Procedure for Students (outlined in the Student Handbook).

Procedures for formal complaints are outlined in the Student Handbook and may also be found under the Access Resources tab of the HCC website, including those for: General Grievance Procedures, Student Grade Appeals, Registration and Refund Appeals, Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures. Students may also contact the Dean of Students Office by complete an online Need Help? form, providing general details about their concern, to get contact information on division directors or direct supervisors.