G.140 Due Process Grievance Policy

(Revised July 28, 2025)

Introduction

Definition of Student Grievance: A complaint or allegation by a student that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of any established policy or practice. Complaints or allegations pertaining to sexual misconduct will need to follow the Sexual Misconduct Policy available in the MACC Policy Handbook.
Purpose: The purpose of this procedure is to secure solutions to alleged grievances.
Time Limits: All time limits herein will consist of work days. Every effort should be made to expedite the process. If the next step is not initiated by the student within the time limits established, the grievance will be considered resolved. However, when mutually agreed upon, the time limits may be extended.
Representation: A student who asserts a grievance has the right to present such grievance for settlement in the manner provided in the grievance procedure. Such student has the option to proceed with or without a representative at any step of the grievance procedure.
Cooperation: The administration will cooperate with the student in the investigation of any grievance.
Released Time: The investigation or processing of a grievance should be accomplished without interference to a student’s required classes, but should the administration, in the processing of any grievance, require that a student be released from required classes, this release is to be made without penalty.
Administrative decisions that become the subject of a grievance will not be stayed pending the processing of the grievance, except with the written consent of the Board or the President.
Nothing in this grievance procedure will preclude a student from discussing any complaint or grievance with an instructor or an administrator at mutually agreeable times in an attempt to resolve any complaint or grievance prior to the filing of a formal grievance, as long as the solution is not inconsistent with this policy. Neither will any matter set forth herein curtail communication among any persons throughout the College system.
This grievance procedure will not be constructed in any way to limit the rights of any student under the law.

Procedure

Step I
1. The student will, within 30 days of the conclusion of the semester of the alleged occurrence, put in writing and discuss the grievance or complaint with the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. If the grievance is directed at the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the Dean’s supervisor will hear the grievance.
2. The Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management will document the date of such discussion in an appropriate record book or memorandum of record. The Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management may, upon this initial contact, resolve the problem with the student. A copy of this record will also be sent to the President.
Step II
1. In the event the grievant is not satisfied with the decision at Step I, they may appeal in writing to the President within 10 working days of the conclusion of Step I. A Grievance Review Committee designated by the President within 10 working days upon the President’s receipt of the appeal will meet within 10 working days of their appointment. The grievant will be notified of the committee members. The Grievance Review Committee will elect a chairperson and secretary and receive their charge from the President.
  In the event that a committee member wishes to disqualify themself, an alternate committee member appointed by the President shall serve on the committee. The grievant may also challenge a committee member’s appointment; the challenge may result in the member’s removal from the committee. In that circumstance, an alternate committee member appointed by the President shall serve on the committee.
2. The committee will review all information submitted at Step I and render a decision of the majority of the committee as a whole and reason(s) for that decision within 10 working days from the hearing of the grievance. The decision will be a written finding of the committee sent to the grievant, the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, and the President. Any committee member may include a written dissent. This decision is considered final absent evidence of substantial error in the process or the production of relevant substantial new information/evidence.
Step III
1. In the event substantial error occurred in the findings from Step II or new relevant substantial evidence should be considered, the grievant, may within 10 working days of receiving the decision, present an appeal in writing to the Board of Trustees through the College President. The appeal should include a copy of the original grievance, new evidence, and all applicable documentation. If this appeal is a result of substantial error in the process, the grievant must provide a detailed explanation. This must be submitted to the Board of Trustees along with all documentation from Steps I and II.
2. Upon receipt of the documentation, the Board of Trustees shall review the documentation and shall give notice to the grievant within 10 working days that a hearing will or will not be held to consider the grievance. If a hearing is granted, it shall be held in Executive Session of the Board of Trustees, as permitted by the Missouri State Statutes, Sections 610.021 and 610.022, within 60 working days of the date of submission. The President of the Board of Trustees shall conduct the hearing at a designated time and place. Should the grievant not appear for the hearing, the grievance shall be dismissed. Such hearing shall not be public and either party may ask that all witnesses not be present while any other person is testifying. The decision of the Board of Trustees is final.