Grievances & Appeals

When a complaint cannot be resolved informally by the appropriate parties, a formal grievance may also be filed with the appropriate dean or the director of financial aid. A Grievance Form is available on VanderCook’s website and must be printed and signed before the form is submitted. The candidate has the right to appeal any decision to the college president.

The complainant and respondent are afforded equal rights and access to information throughout the complaint resolution procedure, including timely updates regarding the status of an investigation. These rights include the following:

• The opportunity to speak on their own behalf.
• The opportunity to identify witnesses who can provide information about the alleged misconduct.
• The opportunity to submit evidence on their behalf.
• The right to have an advisor present at any meeting or interview.
• The opportunity to request alternative arrangements for a hearing process so that the requesting party is not in the same room at the same time with the other party, but is able, at a minimum, to hear the other party’s testimony.
• The opportunity to review any information that will be offered by the other party in support of the other party’s position (to the greatest extent possible and consistent with FERPA or other applicable laws).
• The right to not be cross-examined or questioned directly by the other party.
• At the discretion and direction of the individual or individuals resolving the complaint, the opportunity to suggest questions to be posed by the individual or individuals resolving the complaint and respond to the other party.
• The right to be informed of the outcome of the process (to the greatest extent possible and consistent with FERPA or other applicable laws).
• The opportunity to appeal the outcome of the process. Both parties must notify the other at least 72 hours prior to the time of the hearing if they intend to have legal representation present.

Notification must be made in writing via email or letter.