Section 132Z-112-110. Conflict resolution.

Students have the right to express and resolve misunderstandings, alleged violation of a college policy, procedure or regulation or alleged inequitable treatment, or retaliation according to the stated conflict resolution procedures set forth in these provisions.

Conflict resolution procedure.

The purpose of the student conflict resolution procedure is to provide each student with an informal or formal option to express and resolve any misunderstanding and to address the perception of unfair treatment by a faculty member, or member of the college staff. First, the student may follow an informal procedure. Second, if the informal procedure does not resolve the issue/concern, the student may initiate a formal procedure and request a hearing before the conflict resolution council.

The student may waive his or her right to have the matter resolved informally. In either case, the student must initiate proceedings with the college within twenty days of the occurrence which gave rise to the concern/issue. The conflict resolution procedure promotes constructive dialogue and understanding. Most concerns/issues are resolved by direct, courteous and respectful communication.

Concerns/issues excluded: Students may not use this process for resolving disciplinary outcomes of summary suspension or other disciplinary procedures; grade appeals; for challenging federal and state laws; or those rules and regulations, policies and procedures adopted by the college, and/or the state board for community and technical colleges.

Students should follow the following conflict resolution procedure to resolve concerns/issues as described in the purpose section:

Informal conflict resolution procedure.

A student who believes a college faculty or staff member has treated him or her unfairly or has a concern/issue shall first discuss it directly with the individual. The purpose of this discussion should be to clarify the perceived concern/issue and request specific action.

If the concern/issue is not resolved or if the student is apprehensive about talking directly with the staff or faculty member involved, the student may request an appointment with the appropriate dean for student learning for issues relating to classroom instruction, or administrator or designee for issues relating to staff. The dean or administrator may act as a mediator to resolve the concern/issue in a prompt and fair manner.

Formal conflict resolution procedure.

(1) In the event resolution is not achieved through the informal procedure, the student may initiate a formal procedure by writing a letter to the appropriate dean for student learning for issues related to classroom instruction or the appropriate unit administrator or designee for issues related to staff within twenty working days after the incident. The letter must include a:

• Detailed description of the issue/concern, including dates and times;

• Summary of the actions taken by the student to resolve the concern/issue; and

• Proposed solution.

(2) The appropriate unit administrator or designee shall attempt to resolve the concern/issue by:

Serving as an intermediary between the student and the faculty or staff member and after a review of the facts of the situation and talking with the appropriate faculty or staff involved, the unit administrator or designee will decide how to best resolve the issue/concern promptly and fairly.

The unit administrator or designee handling the case will notify the student in writing of the decision within ten working days.

[Statutory Authority: Executive Order 97-02, RCW 28B.10.902 and 28B.20.903. WSR 05-06-003, § 132Z-112-110, filed 2/17/05, effective 3/20/05.]

Executive Order 97-02, RCW 28B.10.902 and 28B.20.903. WSR 05-06-003, § 132Z-112-110, filed 2/17/05, effective 3/20/05.