Student Complaint Process

7.21.12

Within the framework of Student Rights and Responsibilities, South Georgia State College (SGSC) students are encouraged to communicate responsibly on matters of concern.  The college expects that students will attempt to resolve complaints at the lowest possible level before submitting a formal complaint.  The goal is the successful resolution of the issue.  All records of the formal complaint process, including the complain form and all reports and findings, are the property of the college. 

Students have the following avenues for addressing complaints:

Non-Academic Complaints or Grievances:  If the source of the complaint arose outside the classroom setting, it should be taken by the student directly to the other party(s) involved.  If the student and the other party are unable to resolve the matter or if for any reason the student does not feel at ease in going to the other party, the student has the right to submit a formal written complaint.  Students should submit the complaint via the SGSC Student Complaint Portal.  The SGSC Student Complaint Portal provides an electronic pathway for students to submit non-academic complaints and the complaint will be directed to the appropriate office on campus for review and resolution.  If the complaint is lodge about a process, procedure, or student service, it will be directed to the supervisor of the area at issue.   The formal complaint procedure for non-academic complaints is set up to take no more than 50 working days. To have remedy under the formal complaint process, complaints must be filed within 30 days of the incident.  Complaints filed more than 30 days after the incident will not be accepted.

Student Non-Academic Complaint Form

Academic Complaints or Grievances: Academic complaints or grievances that emerged within a classroom or related setting are resolved following the same steps describe in the process for a Grade Appeal (see page 3 - 5 of the Student Handbook).  The formal complaint procedure for academic complaints that are not grade appeals is set up to take no more than 50 working days.  To have remedy under the formal complaint process, complaints must be filed within 30 days of the incident.  Complaints filed more than 30 days after the incident will not be accepted. 

Students who are not comfortable addressing a complaint with a faculty member with whom he/she has a concern should address the issue with the faculty member's Division Chairperson or Dean.

South Georgia State College is committed to freedom of expression and intellectual diversity.  Failure on the part of faculty and staff to honor this commitment is a legitimate reason for a student to file a grievance.  For more information about matters related to Academic Freedom and Intellectual Diversity, please refer to the American Council of Education's statement of Academic Rights and Responsibilities.  Please click her to view the Intellectual Pluralism and Academic Freedom Statement.

In an effort to ensure excellent service and compliance with ethical standards, the University System of Georgia maintains a hotline for ethics and compliance reporting. Information and directions for reporting concerns related to compliance with ethics standards can be found at https://bor.alertline.com/gcs/welcome.