Procedure for Addressing Student Concerns
Students with concerns about course requirements, class procedures, teaching styles or grades should whenever possible first approach the instructor for clarification/resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed by the end of the next regular semester. If, after contacting the instructor you still have concerns, you should address them to the appropriate program coordinator, department chair or assistant dean who will work with you and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, you should address your concerns to the appropriate school dean.
Individual departments may establish their own internal procedures for handling student concerns. If the school is unable to remedy the situation, you may then appeal in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be dealt with.
Employees of the college may not legally discuss matters pertaining to non-minor students with parents, spouses, friends or classmates without a signed release from the student. The student complaint form can be found here.
External Resolution Options
The Missouri Department of Higher Education serves as a clearinghouse for post-secondary student complaints. The MDHE complaint policy may be found at dhewd.mo.gov/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION-REVISEDDRAFT.pdf. This web page contains information about the complaint process and includes instructions for how to file a formal complaint. Note that the policy provides that a student who wishes to file a complaint with the department must first exhaust all formal and informal avenues provided by the institution to resolve disputes.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces several Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the Department of Education. A complaint can be filed by
anyone who believes that an education institution that receives Federal Financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The complaint form can be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html.
Additionally, students may also contact:
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
800-621-7440; Fax: 312-263-7462
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The College is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity regarding the treatment of students, faculty and staff. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws and regulations, the College adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy in student admission, educational programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. The college is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
Sexual Misconduct, Non-Discrimination, Appeal & Grievance
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is prohibited and the College provides comprehensive procedures in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Jeanne Clery Act, and similar laws and regulations.
“Sexual Misconduct” is a broad term that includes sex discrimination and any non-consensual behavior of a sexual nature committed by force or intimidation or that is otherwise unwelcome. Sexual misconduct includes behaviors such as sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and stalking.
For additional information on:
- Evidence Preservation
- Law Enforcement
- Ex-Parte Orders of Protection
- Confidentiality
- How to file a report of concern
- Intentional false reportings and reports made in bad faith
- Sanctions and Appeals
- Education/Training
- Risk Reduction
- Retaliation and Definitions
- Rights of involved parties in cases involving allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence
Please consult the Student Handbook - “Promoting Gender Equity and Preventing Sexual Misconduct” section
Contact Information
Kristen Drummond
Executive Director Student Engagement & Title IX
636-922-8211 | kdrumond@stchas.edu
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