Student Grievance

Purpose:

Reynolds Community College (Reynolds) provides students with a clear, equitable, and timely process for resolving complaints and grievances related to their educational experience. This policy is intended to ensure compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Principles of Accreditation and alignment with applicable Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policies

This policy applies to all students enrolled in credit and non-credit courses at Reynolds Community College and governs formal academic and non-academic grievances as defined below.

Definitions:

Student: Any individual enrolled in credit or non-credit coursework at Reynolds.

Grievance: A written allegation that a Reynolds or VCCS policy, procedure, or practice has been applied in an unfair, arbitrary, or improper manner and has adversely affected the student.

Academic Grievance: A formal, written complaint alleging unfair, arbitrary, or improper treatment by a faculty member related to learning activities as they affect the student. Academic grievances may include disputes involving final course grades, grading practices, instructional procedures, attendance requirements, instructional quality, or grade-related dismissal from an academic program, when such matters involve the alleged improper, inconsistent, or arbitrary application of Reynolds or VCCS policy or published course or program requirements.

Non-Academic Grievance: A grievance related to Reynolds services, administrative actions, or application of Reynolds or VCCS policy outside of grading or instruction.

Policy:

In accordance with VCCS Policy 6.5.0.1 Student Grievance and SACSCOC Standard 12.4 Student Complaints:

1. Policy Statement

   Reynolds maintains and publishes student grievance procedures that are accessible, consistently applied, and designed to ensure fair and impartial review. These procedures provide students with a defined process for raising concerns, prohibit retaliation, and support institutional accountability and continuous improvement. This policy is approved through an established review process that involves key Reynolds leaders

2. Matters Governed by Other Policies

   This policy does not apply to matters addressed through separate Reynolds or VCCS policies or procedures, including but not limited to:

   • Student conduct and disciplinary actions;
   • Allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation (including Title IX);
   • Disability accommodations and accessibility concerns;
   • Financial aid appeals;
   • Employment-related complaints.

   Concerns in these areas will be referred to the appropriate Reynolds policy.

3. Non-Retaliation Statement

   Retaliation against any individual for filing a grievance or participating in the grievance process under this policy is prohibited and may result in action under applicable Reynolds or VCCS policies.

4. Oversight and Authority

   • Vice President of Academic Affairs (or designee) oversees academic grievance processes.
   • The Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee) oversees non-academic grievance processes.

Procedures:

Procedure for Reynolds Policy 1-04, Student Grievance

Other Information:

N/A