Student Complaint Procedure

Complaint Resolution Process

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges strive to provide the best possible experience to our students, employees and communities. Should a student, employee or community member feel that we have fallen short of that goal, this complaint/grievance procedure has been established to help resolve concerns.

The following steps should be taken to resolve a complaint.

Informal Process:

EICC’s strong preference is for complaints to be resolved at the level closest to the incident of concern. Individuals with a complaint should first address the issue directly with the party involved. Should that discussion not yield resolution, the individual should contact the appropriate campus dean, department coordinator or department supervisor, who will attempt to find a resolution. If that discussion does not yield resolution, the individual will be asked if they wish to file a formal complaint.

Please note: If the complaint is related to discrimination or harassment, the complainant may choose to immediately contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator or the Title IX Compliance Officer.

Formal Process:

An individual who desires to submit a formal complaint should do so using the online Formal Complaint Form. Complaints should be submitted in a timely manner, preferably within 10 days of the occurrence. When submitted, the form will automatically be emailed to the appropriate staff member, who will initiate an appropriate response.

For matters related to academics, student services or general college matters, the individual receiving the complaint will work to resolve the issue. If the matter is not resolved, the complaint will be referred to the appropriate President or Vice Chancellor for further review and resolution.

For matters related to discrimination, the complaint will be referred to the EEO Officer/Equity Coordinator, who will conduct an investigation. The EEO Officer will present a summary of findings and suggested remedy to the Chancellor, who will approve or modify the remedy and direct the EEO Officer to implement it.

For matters related to sexual harassment, the complaint will be referred to a Title IX Investigator, who will document the claim and forward it to the Title IX Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer will investigate the claim, then submit a summary of findings and suggested remedy to the Chancellor, who will approve or modify the remedy and direct the Compliance Officer to implement it.

Final Appeal Process:

If the complainant in a matter related to academics, student services or general college matters is not satisfied with the resolution, appeal may be made to the Chancellor (or designee), whose decision is final.