Student Grievance Procedures

It is the policy of Clayton State University to provide equal opportunity and fair treatment to all students (including applicants for admission) without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected class as required by applicable state and federal laws.  In addition, the University is interested in the prompt and fair resolution of the concerns of students and the procedures below have been formulated to ensure these concerns are addressed.  

Grievances or complaints related to sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, based on initial review, may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator for investigation and adjudication.  Grievances or complaints involving ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access or accommodations are handled through the ADA Grievance Procedure which is outlined below. No student’s status with Clayton State University shall be adversely affected in any way as a result of using these procedures, nor shall any retaliatory actions be taken against a person using these procedures. 

General Grievance Procedure

1. Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve concerns by dealing directly with the matter or alleged offender. Students requiring assistance and support in attempting resolution at this level may find such assistance in the Office of Student Affairs. 
2. The Vice President of Student Affairs or Dean of Students (or other designee) may attempt to facilitate resolution of a reported concern through discussion with the involved parties. 
3. If resolution cannot be achieved through informal means, the student may file a formal complaint through the Office of Student Affairs. At the discretion of the Vice President or Dean of Students, the complaint, in writing, will be investigated with the results provided to the student complainant and/or may be referred to a grievance hearing panel for review and determination of finding within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the written complaint. While every effort will be made to protect the privacy of both parties, at this point, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. A grievance hearing panel, should it be convened, will be comprised of three faculty or staff and three students.  All panel procedures will protect the due process rights of the complainant and the responding party(ies).  Procedures for conducting a grievance hearing are available in the Office of Student Affairs. 
4. If there is a finding against the responding party(ies), the matter will be referred to the appropriate administrator for appropriate action or sanction. (A panel may make the recommended action or sanction if matter has been referred to a panel). All decisions regarding administrative action or sanction will rest with the supervisor, Dean, or Vice President of responding party(ies) as appropriate. The Human Resources Director will be consulted in cases involving staff. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will be consulted in cases involving faculty. 
5. If the complainant student is not satisfied with the formal investigation or grievance hearing outcome, appeal may be made to the President of the University within five (5) business days after decision is communicated. Presidential appeal decisions will be rendered and communicated to the complainant and the responding party(ies) within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the President will be considered final at the institutional level.