Student Complaint Grievance and Appeal Policy
Drake State recognizes that in order to efficiently and effectively carry out its mission, its students must feel confident that any valid complaint or grievance a student may make concerning the college will be promptly addressed by the appropriate authorities. Therefore, the following procedures for resolving such complaints and grievances have been adopted by Drake State Community and Technical College.
The Drake State Student Handbook defines the initial steps to solve a complaint, as well as defines sexual harassment, discrimination, and grievance as follows:
- Complaints - Academic or non-academic areas of dissatisfaction with instructional or support services. Examples of academic complaints include a disputed course grade, faculty performance, or course information. Examples of non-academic complaints include a disputed late registration fee, delivery of support services, or student conduct.
- Sexual Harassment- Inappropriate introduction of sexual activities or comments into the workplace or learning environment. While sexual harassment may involve relationships among equals, it often involves relationships of unequal power, giving rise to elements of coercion centered on sexual activity for opportunities of benefit such as improved job or academic status.
- Discrimination- Difference in treatment in any service, program, course or facility on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, or parental status.
- Grievance - An unresolved complaint shall be termed a "grievance." A student who submits a complaint to the appropriate College officials and who is not satisfied with the plan of resolution