Appendices

Student Grievance Procedures

(Reprinted from 2010-2011 De Anza College Catalog, pgs. 32-33)

De Anza College strives to treat all students fairly, but as in any complex organization, misunderstandings and even conflicts can arise from time to time. As a student, you have certain rights under the published rules and regulations of the district and the college, the state laws regarding education, and the federal affirmative action laws. This procedure should not be used to address unlawful harassment or discrimination. If you feel you may have been subjected to unlawful harassment or discrimination, please refer to the sexual harassment and/or sections of the catalog.

If you feel that your student rights have been violated by the college—in one instance, or over a period of time in a series of events—you have the right   to resolve the problem. In most cases, problem situations turn out better if they’re attended to quickly and simply. That’s why De Anza’s trustees and student government set up the Student Grievance Procedures, which require a student to do just that. The complete Student Grievance Procedures follow this step-by-step summary. It’s a good idea to read them carefully if you decide to file a grievance.

Procedures:

Step 1. You must first try to solve the problem informally. You and the other person(s) involved need to meet and try to solve the problem. You can ask for help from any De Anza community member. Give it your best effort.

Step 2. If you still aren’t satisfied, you can file a formal grievance. Upon the recommendation of the appropriate dean or administrator you can file a grievance form. You will need to provide the specific rule or law (Students Rights and Responsibilities) that you feel was violated, as well as all the details of the events(s). Provide copies of any pertinent documents. Don’t delay—to file a grievance you must be a current student or have been one within 30 days before filing, and you must have learned of the events no more than 30 days before you file. [Regardless of when you learned of the events(s), if the alleged violation(s) happened more than a year in the past your grievance won’t be valid.]

Step 3. Pick up a student grievance form from the Office of Student Development and EOPS or the De Anza Associated Student Body (DASB) Office, the Office of College Life (formerly the Student Activities Office) or the office of the vice president of Student Services. You can receive assistance with completing the form from any faculty or staff member; or you can ask for help from the DASB.

Step 4. File your completed student grievance form with the Office of Student Development and EOPS. Please do not return the completed grievance form to any other office. You will receive acknowledgment of receipt of your grievance usually within two weeks from the time it is received. Your grievance will be forwarded to the dean of Student Development and EOPS.

Step 5. The Grievance Review Board will review your grievance and will decide if you met the standards for filing, and whether your grievance meets the basic standards of legitimacy for consideration. The office of Student Development and EOPS will contact you if your grievance warrants a hearing. You will be contacted and a hearing will be scheduled.

Step 6. The exact nature of the hearing differs from case to case and is under the direction of the grievance officer. You—and the other person(s)—can have with you, or be represented by, any other person who is not an attorney. You can purchase (at cost) a copy of the official record of the hearing.

Step 7. The Grievance Review Board will try to reach a decision within 14 days from the time of the hearing. They will decide, on the outcome of your grievance, what relief (if any) you should be granted. They will forward their recommendation to the dean of Student Development and EOPS. You will be notified by the dean of the board’s recommendation.

Step 8. The college president or his/her designee has the final decision regarding the outcome. If it is determined that violation of rights is a result of a district rule or some other reason beyond the college’s control, the president or his/her designee will recommend the appropriate action at a higher level, the chancellor and trustees.

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