Current Students

Student Complaints and Grievances

Our desire is for you to have a positive experience at Somerset Community College. However, we realize that sometimes situations occur where students need to have an opportunity to voice a complaint or grievance. Complaint and grievance procedures are designed to assist students who have a perception of unfair and/or unlawful treatment.

It is generally beneficial to discuss the problem with college personnel prior to filing a formal complaint. College personnel are available to students to discuss issues that arise, and students should not hesitate to contact a faculty member, a dean, an advisor, or any other staff person. We have learned over the years most of the issues that come up can be resolved face-to-face between parties during a scheduled office visit. We highly encourage students to take this step first, if appropriate. Unfortunately, not all situations can be resolved in this manner and require a formal process and the assistance of a third party. Below are a few suggestions to guide students through the process of filing a complaint or grievance:

A complaint or grievance should be raised as quickly as possible. Students should be aware of timelines regarding formal complaint and grievance procedures.
In the vast majority of cases, an attempt should be made to resolve the issue informally.
A written complaint or grievance should contain: a) a complete description of the complaint or grievance, b) any supporting documents, and c) the desired outcome sought.
A casual way to share a concern or to make a suggestion is to use the "Contact Us" feature

Cases of an Alleged Violation of Student Academic Rights
(grade issues, informed notice of course content and course grading criteria, etc.)

Generally, the student appeals to the appropriate Academic Division Chair in writing. If resolved by the Division Chair, the case ends. If not, the case is referred to the college's President/CEO. If resolved by the college President/CEO, the case ends. If not, the student files a written request for a hearing by the Appeals Board. All parties are invited to file written statements. The Appeals Board decides whether or not to hear the case. If the Appeals Board decides to hear the case, a hearing is scheduled and a decision is made and the case ends. If the Appeals Board decides not to hear the case, the case ends. (Source: the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct which outlines the complete guidelines, a specific timeline of student actions and responsibilities, and the college's role in the process)

Cases of an Alleged Student Academic Offense
(cheating, plagiarism, falsification of academic records, etc.)

First, the instructor discusses the alleged offense and the proposed sanction with the student. If not resolved, the student appeals to the appropriate Academic Division Chair in writing. If resolved by the Division Chair, the case ends. If not, the case is referred to the college President/CEO. If resolved by the college's President/CEO, the case ends. If not, the student files a written request for a hearing by the Appeals Board. All parties are invited to file written statements. The Appeals Board decides whether or not to hear the case. If the Appeals Board decides to hear the case, a hearing is scheduled and a decision is made and the case ends. If the Appeals Board decides not to hear the case, the case ends. (Source: the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct which outlines the complete guidelines, a specific timeline of student actions and responsibilities, and the college's role in the process)

Cases of an Alleged Student Non-Academic Offense
(violation of computer usage policy, falsification of student records, disorderly behavior, etc.)

First, the Dean of Student Affairs discusses the discipline issue and the proposed sanction with the student. If not resolved, the case is referred to the college's President/CEO. If resolved by the college's President/CEO, the case ends. If not, the student files a written request for a hearing by the Appeals Board. All parties are invited to file written statements. The Appeals Board decides whether or not to hear the case. If the Appeals Board decides to hear the case, a hearing is scheduled and a decision is made and the case ends. If the Appeals Board decides not to hear the case, the case ends. (Source: the KCTCS Student Code of Conduct which outlines the complete guidelines, a specific timeline of student actions and responsibilities, and the college's role in the process)

Formal Grievance Procedures Involving Alleged Discrimination or Harassment

Student Discrimination Grievance Form

Process for Current Residents of Kentucky

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) serves as the coordinating agency for postsecondary education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The CPE is the agency that handles complaints about Somerset Community College and has the ability to act on those complaints from students residing in Kentucky. Students should attempt to resolve the complaint through the established protocol at Somerset Community College before contacting CPE.

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Dr. #320
Frankfort, KY 40601-7512
Email: cpeconsumercomplaint@ky.gov
http://cpe.ky.gov/campuses/consumer_complaint.html

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of; race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor.