Student Grievance Procedures

At Reading Area Community College, we understand that conflicts or situations arise that may require intervention. For this process to work well, it is important that every effort is made to resolve the issue of conflict in a fair and timely manner.

If you think that you have been involved in a situation that requires College intervention, please review the policies below to identify the steps needs to address your issue.

Disability Services Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of Reading Area Community College (RACC) not to discriminate on the basis of disability.  RACC has an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.  

Student Course Related Grievance Procedure

Students who feel that their academic rights have been violated may file a complaint and make an appeal for review according to the following procedures:

  1. A student should first meet with his/her instructor in an attempt to resolve the situation.
  2. If the situation is not resolved with the instructor, the student has the right to meet with the appropriate Assistant Dean.
  3. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Assistant Dean, s/he had the right to appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee of the College - Governance system.
  4. If the student is not satisfied, they have the right to meet with the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost.

All complaints or appeals made to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost or the Academic Affairs Committee of the College Governance system must be made in writing, citing the complaint, class, faculty member, remedy sought, and any available evidence pertaining to the grade in review.

Procedure for Addressing Complaints of Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence and Retaliation and Grievance Procedure Under Title IX

It is the policy of RACC (Board of Trustees Policy 840 – Discrimination and Harassment Including Title IX Compliance) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status, including status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran in regard to the administration of all campus programs, services, and activities and the admission of students, employment actions, or other sponsored activities. Furthermore, it is RACC’s policy not to tolerate harassment of any type, including sexual harassment, of or by any employee, student, contractor, vendor, and/or visitor to RACC. The purpose of this policy is to comply with the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681, et. seq., which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the course of any federally-funded educational program or activity.  

Discrimination & Harassment (Including Title IX) Complaint Form

If you are a student who believes you have been subjected to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or any other form of gender discrimination under Title IX, you may report such conduct or file a formal complaint with the Title IX Coordinator in the President’s Office Area.  

Student Code of Conduct

Reading Area Community College is committed to the advancement of learning and to the development of responsible individuals. The College has an interest in student conduct on-campus and at off-campus functions sponsored by the College. Each student has a right to seek an education on a campus which is safe and at a college that does not tolerate misconduct. Each student is considered to be a responsible person and is expected to uphold appropriate standards of behavior.

Consequently, a student has the responsibility to follow the Student Code of Conduct. Students who demonstrate the inability to conform to acceptable conduct may lose the right to enjoy the educational, social, and recreational opportunities of the College.

Academic Reinstatement

Students who do not maintain a 2.0 (“C”) grade point average may be dismissed. Students who are dismissed because of a low G.P.A. must appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee for readmission. The Committee will decide whether or not students are to be readmitted and, if readmitted, under what conditions and limitations they will be placed. 

Term Adjustment Form

Term adjustments (refunds of tuition and fees, contingent on approval) are available to students with extenuating circumstances. The request should include documentation supporting your request and a cover letter explaining the issue. Any request not received timely may result in a denial.