NATIONAL INSTITUTE for CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Student Grievance Procedures

1. Students should only initiate a formal grievance procedure after informal attempts to resolve the issue have failed.
2. A formal complaint should be lodged with the Principal, or the person delegated by the Principal to deal with such matters, with a clear statement of the nature of the grievance, the steps already taken to resolve the matter, including any relevant written communications, and the reason or reasons for believing that the student has been treated inappropriately or unfairly.
3. The Principal, or his delegate, will invite the staff member or members concerned to respond and may take such advice as is thought fit in the particular circumstances. After proper investigation and due consideration the student will be advised of the decision and the action, if any, that has been taken. If no action is taken, the student will be given a clear statement of reasons.
4. If dissatisfied with the outcome, the student may lodge an appeal with the Chair of the CCHE Academic Board for consideration by that body. Any such appeal must provide a full account of actions taken by the student to date together with the outcome at each stage and the reasons the student remains dissatisfied. This appeal may be referred to the full CCHE Academic Board for resolution. In considering the appeal all parties, including the Principal, or the Principal's delegate, shall be given full and free opportunity to present their case.
5. If a student remains dissatisfied with the verdict of this appeal, the student may lodge a request with the Chair of the CCHE Academic Board for the appointment of an independent adjudicator acceptable to all parties to hear the matter. A full and clear statement of reasons for believing the decision of the Academic Board did not deliver a fair and just outcome must accompany any such request. This request will be granted only if the Chair is satisfied that complaint is not frivolous or vexatious but that a substantial case has been made for reasonable doubt about the outcome of the appeal.
6. If it is decided that a substantial case for further appeal has not been made, the matter shall be deemed closed.
7. If the matter is referred to an independent Adjudicator, or Adjudicators, all parties, including the Chair of the CCHE Academic Board, shall be given a full and fair opportunity to be heard before a decision is made. The decision of the Adjudicator or Adjudicators shall be final and binding on all parties.

Information on this page is a summary of section 2.16.3 Student Grievance Procedures
on pages 71 - 72 of the CCHE Student Handbook and Policy Manual

Updated on 2 July 2008