Procedure:     Student Complaint Procedure: Formal
Department:    Academic and Student Affairs
Contact:          Helen Garrett, (541) 463-5725       garretth@lanecc.edu

Purpose

The formal complaint procedure is designed to resolve problems for students who are having difficulties with other students or staff that cannot be resolved through the informal report and resolution process or that students choose to have investigated and judged in a formal setting.  Although the process is confidential, identity cannot be withheld from the person accused.

Other Complaint Processes

If the complaint involves any of the following, the Student Complaint Process should not be used.  Refer to the appropriate procedures:

 Academic issues - see Academic Probation and Dismissal
 Racial harassment - see Harassment Based on Race/Ethnicity or National Origin: General
 Sexual harassment - see Harassment, Sexual: General
 Disability issues - see Disabilities: Americans With Disabilities Act Complaint Procedure
 Discrimination issues  - see Affirmative Action Guidelines and Complaint Procedure

Timelines

The formal complaint procedure is set up to take no more than 50 working days.  To have remedy under the formal complaint process, complaints must be filed within 90 days of the incident.  Complaints filed more than 90 days after the incident will not be accepted.

Impartial Decision Makers

Complainants who do not feel that they have access to impartial decision makers under the procedure outlined below should immediately notify a campus advocate of their concern.

Advocates

Assistance with the complaint process is available at Counseling, Student Life and Leadership Development and the Women's Center.

Record Keeping

All records of the formal complaint process, including the complaint form and all reports and findings, are the property of the college.  A formal complaint report that summarizes all formal complaints will be forwarded to the president, vice presidents and division/department managers on a periodic basis.  No information that would identify the complainant or the accused will be included in this report.

How to File a Formal Complaint

Step 1:  The complainant completes a formal complaint form.  Forms are available from the office of Academic and Student Affairs, Associated Students of Lane Community College (ASLCC), the Women’s Center, Counseling, and Student Life and Leadership Development.

Step 2:  The complainant submits the complaint form to the vice president Academic and Student Affairs.  The office is located on the 2nd floor of the Administration building.

Step3:  A judicial advisor may be assigned.  The vice president Academic and Student Affairs may assign a judicial advisor and will provide written notification of the complaint to the accused within five working days of receiving the complaint.  Campus advocates are available to assist throughout this process.

Step 4:  The judicial advisor will conduct an investigation.

Step 5:  The judicial advisor notifies the complainant and the accused of their findings. Notification of findings will be sent within 20 working days of the complaint being filed.  The complainant will receive the results of the investigation in writing.  The complainant will review the findings and decide if they are satisfied with the results.  If they are not satisfied with the results, they may proceed to Step 6.

Step 6:  The complainant may appeal the ruling by notifying the vice president Academic and Student Affairs, or the designated judicial advisor, in writing within five days.  The vice president Academic and Student Affairs reviews the investigation and findings.  The vice president may refer the appeal to a hearings committee at their discretion.

Step 7:  A final decision is made.  The vice president Academic and Student Affairs will make the final decision on the appeal and notify the complainant and the accused in writing within 10 working days.

See also, Student Informal Report and Resolution Process.