Appeals (Academic and Financial Aid)
Appeal, complaint, and grievance forms are available online and at reception in Founders Hall.
Students may appeal decisions on financial aid, probation, suspension, late drops, late withdrawals, refunds, enrolling in more than 18 credits in a term, pursuing a second degree, waiving transcripts, and similar matters. Appeals are reviewed by the Appeals Committee and are processed at regular intervals. Students are notified of decisions within five workdays of an appeals meeting. Questions about the appeal process are directed to Student Services. The decision of the appeals committee can be appealed one time to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
For conduct appeals, please see the section entitled “Student Conduct Process.”
Appeals (Grades)
Students should first discuss grade disputes with the instructor. The dean may mediate with the student and instructor. If mediation fails, students may submit a Final Course Grade Appeal form to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Grade appeals are processed at regular intervals. Questions about grade appeals are directed to the vice president of Academic Affairs.
Complaint Process for Students
Klamath Community College utilizes a “one policy, one process” approach for reporting incidents or complaints. This means the same form and process is available for students, employees, and community members to initiate an investigation or response into an incident or issue.
Incidents of discrimination, harassment or assault should be reported as soon as possible via the link/form at www.klamathcc.edu/complaints, or by contacting the Title IX officer, via one of the following:
- by phone: 541-880-2364; or
- by email: titleIX@klamathcc.edu;
- Once submitted, the information will be reviewed by the Title IX officer and the student conduct officer to determine the appropriate steps, which may include referring the complaint to Student Affairs, Human Resources, or an academic dean as appropriate.
For more minor difficulties, KCC encourages individuals to resolve conflicts or concerns at the lowest, most direct level, as this is good practice for work and life. We encourage the use of open and honest communication, following the student code of conduct, to promote a safe learning environment.
When faced with a disagreement or conflict, attempt to discuss the matter first directly with the individual (except in cases of sexual misconduct). If the matter is not resolved from that effort, then speak with the individual’s immediate supervisor (if the issue is with a college employee), or seek a mediator (if the issue is with another student) such as a faculty member, advisor or campus counselor.
If the matter still cannot be resolved and you wish to submit a formal complaint, you may do so with the campus incident/complaint reporting form referenced above.
In the event that direct resolution and/or communication is not an option, or poses an immediate threat, complete a campus incident/complaint reporting form at www.klamathcc.edu/Safe-Campus. The form can be submitted online, or turned in to the receptionist in Founders Hall.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Students have rights under FERPA regarding their educational records. Klamath Community College must keep records to advise and counsel students for instruction, guidance, educational progress, and other educational purposes. KCC has identified information that constitutes student educational records. Policies govern disclosure of educational records and security practices that control access to such records.
Students have the right to inspect their educational records. Students who believe their records are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of privacy or other rights have the right to a hearing to challenge the contents. The College normally complies with the request to inspect records within 10 days, but in no case more than 45 days.
The College may, at its discretion, release directory information on request to any person, unless a student has filed for directory information withholding in Student Services. Note that students who file for directory information withholding will not be listed on honor rolls, commencement publications and other announcements, and may be prevented from participating in online registration or other activities in which the College cannot reasonably assure privacy. The request to withhold information must be renewed each term.
KCC defines the following as directory information:
|
Student’s first and last name
|
Dates of attendance
|
|
Telephone number
|
Major field of study/program
|
|
Current mailing address
|
Most recent educational institution attended
|
|
Email address
|
Participation in officially recognized activities
|
|
Enrollment status
|
Certificate(s), degree(s), and award(s) received
|
Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure to comply with FERPA:
Family Policy Compliance Officer
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Freedom of Association
The College supports and protects rights of free association. Also, see “Office of Student Life”.
Freedom of Inquiry
The instructor, in the classroom and other educational settings, provides for free discussion, inquiry, and expression related to course content. Student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct unrelated to curricular standards. Students are free to disagree with course material or views at an appropriate time and in a non-disruptive manner, and are expected to reserve judgment regarding others’ opinions.
Protection Against Improper Disclosure
Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations that Klamath Community College employees acquire in the course of their work is considered confidential. Judgment of student ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, such as recommendations for scholarships, employment, program admission, student conduct, threat assessment, or for other administrative reasons.
Safety
In an emergency, dial 911. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Substation at Klamath Community College can be reached by dialing 314 from a campus landline phone or by calling 541-880-2314 from any phone.
Clery Act:
The Clery Act is a federal law that requires colleges that participate in federal financial aid to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their campuses. Crimes that fall under the act are logged and can be reviewed online at http://ope.ed.gov/security. Clery Annual Campus Crime Reports for Klamath Community College can be found on the website at https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/Safe-Campus/CLERY-Reports.
Reporting Crimes: Crimes on college premises or at college-sponsored events should be reported to the officer at the Klamath County Sheriff’s Substation. The College follows state and federal law requirements regarding reports.
Resources: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), first-aid kits, safety maps, and evacuation assembly locations for each building can be found online at www.klamathcc.edu/safe-campus.
Safety Tips:
- Lock your car.
- Do not leave valuables in sight in your car.
- Park in a lighted area at night.
- Walk with keys in hand.
- When possible, walk in a group.
- Look in your backseat before entering your car.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Carry your purse or backpack close to your body.
- Never accept a ride from a stranger.
- If you feel unsafe walking on campus or to your vehicle, call the campus night liaison at 541-891-0278 and they will escort you to another building or your vehicle.
|
