Non-Academic Complaint Process Steps for Students

  1. Talk to the coordinator or supervisor of the department where the concern occurred.
  2. If the coordinator or supervisor was unable to resolve the situation, speak to the appropriate Dean.  Please review the Student Success and Support Programs page to find the appropriate Dean.
  3. If the Dean is unable to resolve the complaint, the student may complete the Student Complaint and Resolution Form.  This form will be reviewed by the Student Support Resolution Coordinator, who will follow up with the student.
  4. If the Student Support Resolution Coordinator cannot resolve the complaint, the student may file a Formal Grievance with the Vice President of Student Success and Support Programs.  Please refer to the College Catalog and Cuesta College Board Policy 5530.
  5. The following types of complaints or concerns are referred to the Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations and Title IX Compliance Coordinator, and will be addressed pursuant to Policy 1565 (Unlawful Discrimination) and not as a student grievance:
    -Sexual Harassment
    -Civil Rights discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, national origin, religious believes, age, gender, color, physical or mental disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual identity, or marital status
    -Retaliation for filing a sexual harassment or other unlawful discrimination complaint, referring a matter for investigation, participating in an investigation of a complaint, serving as an advocate for an alleged victim or alleged offender, or who otherwise furthers the principles of the district's unlawful discrimination policy. (Policy 1565)
  6. If all prior steps have been taken and no resolution has been reached, the student has the right to pursue their complaint with the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO).  The CCCCO provides students and others with a method and process, outside of the institution, that investigates and responds to complaints regarding the institution.
    The CCCCO has provided this disclosure in compliance with the requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, as regulated in CFR 34, Sections 600.9 (b) (3) and 668.43 (b)