AP 5530 Student Rights and Grievances
Mt. San Jacinto Community College District believes that all students shall be afforded fair and equitable treatment in the application of all district procedures and regulations. Students who claim that there has been a violation or misapplication of the procedures or regulations set forth in the college catalog, board policies, or operating procedures of the college district, or who claim misapplication or denial of student due process may make a complaint and, if necessary, file a grievance.
The Mt. San Jacinto College Student Rights and Grievances procedures are provided as a means for students to resolve complaints and grievances in an expeditious and fair manner, as well as to educate students in constructive approaches to problem and conflict resolution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees that there shall be no harassment of or retaliation towards students who file a complaint or grievance, toward the subject of the grievance, or toward those who participate in the process. This process shall take place within a collegial atmosphere and be aimed at conflict resolution. All proceedings held in accordance with these procedures shall relate to a specific complaint or grievance, with an identified remedy or solution.
A Grievance is a claim by any student who reasonably believes a college decision or action has adversely affected his/her/their status, rights or privileges as a student. A grievance includes but is not limited to claims regarding the exercise of rights of free expression protected by state and federal constitutions and Education Code Section 76120. Grievances pertaining to grades are subject to the California Education Code Section 76224(a), which states: “When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the faculty member of the course and the determination of the student’s grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall be final.”
The grievance process does not cover the determination of eligibility, disqualification or reinstatement of Financial Aid. Information on the Financial Aid appeal procedure can be found on the Financial Aid website. Complaints regarding parking citations must be directed to the Campus Safety Office.
AP 5530 Student Rights and Grievances (pursuant to Board Policy 5530)
Please reference the MSJC Student Rights and Conduct website for any updates and revisions to this policy
More information on alleged violations of sexual harassment policies, alleged discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability can be found on the Title IX webpage.