Resolution of Student Concerns
As a comprehensive educational community, Bucks promotes an active and challenging learning environment. Varying viewpoints and differences of opinion in such an environment are natural and expected. Students enjoy a host of rights and responsibilities in addressing issues and concerns.
Student concerns are generally best resolved at the level at which the concern developed. Communication is the key to resolution. Students are encouraged to indicate concerns with specific matters to the office/ area or individual most directly involved or responsible. A variety of mechanisms exist to assist students in processing such concerns. Faculty members, administrators, and College staff are receptive to discussion and welcome interaction with students. The Provost serves as an ombudsman for students and can assist in directing students to the most appropriate area or person to resolve concerns. Counseling services, academic deans, and area administrators can also provide assistance.
Students are encouraged to address concerns in an appropriate and timely manner and to utilize the resources noted above to assist in this process. If the student is unable to resolve the concern in an informal manner, then the student is encouraged to follow the procedures outlined in the Student Complaint Policy below.
Student Complaint Policy
I. Purpose
This policy is designed to provide a mechanism by which a student may lodge a complaint regarding a service or academic encounter at the college. Through this process the college seeks to ensure the provision of a quality education and excellent support services for students. Further, the process is intended to identify opportunities to improve service and student satisfaction, as well as demonstrate compliance with federal regulations regarding the receipt, response to and tracking of student complaints.
II. Scope
This policy applies toan individual who is currently enrolled, or was enrolled at the college, within the previous semester, when the underlying facts and circumstances of the complaint first occurred, and who has not been suspended or dismissed, or otherwise is required to re-apply for admission.
Parents, relatives, employers, agents and other persons acting for, or on behalf of, a student are not able to file a complaint in a student's name.
III. General
This policy and accompanying procedures are based on the principle that the college is committed to handling student complaints in a manner which is perceived as fair, impartial, confidential and timely. This policy is the appropriate mechanism to pursue for complaints related to any aspect of college life including the delivery of academic, administrative and other support services. The effectiveness of the complaints process is regularly evaluated by those involved in it.
When a student encounters a problem on campus for which he/she seeks resolution, he/she should always first try to work the problem out through discussion with those immediately involved with, or responsible for, the service, decision or action in question. Dealing with concerns in the most direct and honest fashion should always be the first step toward resolution. The majority of problems can be resolved when a student makes an appointment with a faculty or staff member and calmly and honestly communicates their concerns. If however, an issue or problem still exists after informal resolution is attempted, a student may initiate the formal complaint procedures provided at the college. All formal student complaints must be received in writing through student entry of the complaint details into the online complaint resolution form used by the college. Once the online form is completed, an electronic copy is sent to the Office of the Provost.
Should the Provost be the subject of the concern, or directly party to it, the complaint may be made to the President.
Complaints Addressed by Other Policies
The following matters are not treated as Student Complaints within the scope of this policy but may be directed for resolution as follows:
- Sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination. 1.14 Gender Based Misconduct
- Discrimination on grounds of equal opportunity. 1.10 Equal Opportunity
- Failure to provide adequate accommodations. 1.11 Americans with Disabilities Act
- Matters relating to student violations of the Code of Conduct. 3.12 Student Responsibilities for Conduct
- A grade appeal, unless unethical, illegal or improper conduct of a faculty member may be the subject of the complaint even if it occurs in the context of a grade decision or appeal. 2.11 Grade Challenges
- Tuition appeal. 3.18 Tuition Appeals
- Matters relating to child abuse reporting. 1.21 Child Abuse Reporting
- Grievances arising related to a student's employment at the college should be directed to the Human Resources office.
- Complaints related to processes or individuals outside of the scope of college responsibility.
Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result either in no action being taken with respect to a complaint or other disposition by the Provost. Where such failure also causes a violation of rules and policies regarding student or employee conduct, disciplinary action may result in accordance with the applicable rules and policies.
IV. Procedure
Complaint Submission
All formal student complaints must be received in writing within the semester of occurrence or as soon as possible thereafter. The student will provide the complaint facts and circumstances via the online complaint resolution form used by the college. The Office of the Student Affairs will receive, and be the central repository for, all complaints registered.
Complaint Review and Resolution
Using the complaint resolution system, the following process for review and resolution will be used.
- The Provost will direct each complaint to the appropriate divisional Vice President or to the Provost for review and resolution.
- Complaints will be acknowledged within 5 days of receiving all information necessary to process the complaint. This acknowledgement will:
- be in writing from the divisional Vice President reviewing the complaint
- identify the staff member handling the complaint
- give an estimated time frame for resolution.
- Complaints should be addressed as expeditiously as possible, with the goal of resolving each complaint within 30 days of acknowledgment of the complaint.
- Upon arriving at a resolution, the divisional Vice President will send resolution details in writing to the student and the Provost, giving the reasons for the decision.
Complaint Tracking
The Office of the Provost, will track each Student Complaint via a web-based data management system and maintain within that system a record of the following for not less than two (2) years after final disposition of the complaint:
- Date complaint was received.
- Students identified with the complaint.
- Copy of the complaint.
- College officials who addressed the complaint.
- Steps taken to resolve the complaint.
- Final resolution or disposition of the complaint.
- Any external actions taken by the complainant of which the Provost becomes aware.
The data tracked will be assessed and made available to regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies, including the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as required in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies.
In the unlikely event that an issue cannot be resolved by the college:
- on-ground students may file a complaint with their respective State Licensing Authority. Please see the accompanying guidelines to file a complaint with your local State.
- online students, except for those residing in California, may lodge an appeal with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- online students residing in California may file a complaint with their state agency.
State agencies should be contacted only after the student has registered a complaint with the college and has not received a response to the request for resolution
Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284–5000. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Postsecondary Accreditation. Please see the Commission's guidelines for filing a complaint at www.msche.org.