Student Grievance Procedure
Halifax Community College is committed to mutual respect among all constituents. The College is committed at all levels to a fair and a reasonable resolution of issues through a formal grievance process guided by the information and documentation provided in the process. These procedures assure that all matters relating to present and prospective students will be handled fairly and equally without regard to race, color, sex, age, political affiliation, religion, disability, national origin, or other non-merit factors. The grievance procedures described below apply to academic and non-academic student grievances.
Definitions
Student-The term student is used herein to mean any person who is officially registered at Halifax Community College during the specific academic semester or term in which the grievance occurs.
Academic Grievance-An academic grievance is any difference of opinion or dispute between a student and a faculty member about learning activities as the affect the student. This may include grading, instructional procedures, attendance, instructional quality, and situations where the student believes he/she is being treated arbitrarily.
Non-Academic Grievance-A non-academic grievance is any difference of opinion or dispute between a student and an instructor, administrator, staff member, or another student pertaining to the the interpretation and/or application of the policies and procedures of the College. In addition, non-academic grievances may pertain to student governance issues, student activities, disability issues, and other concerns that students might present for redress.
Level I-This is the first level of the formal grievance. The grievant will meet with the respondent(s) and try to seek resolution. All attempts should be made to resolve the grievance at this level.
Level II-The second level of the formal grievance involves a conference with respective Dean, the grievant, and the respondent(s).
Level III-This is the highest and final level of the College's formal grievance procedures. At this level, the grievance is presented to the Student Appels Committee, who presents a recommendation of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.