Student Complaint Process

There are numerous resources available to assist students in resolving problems or complaints that may arise within a campus department or in a classroom. The designated campus complaints officer is available to meet with students to discuss issues, devise problem–solving strategies, and if necessary, guide them through the formal complaints process.

A complaint is defined as a good-faith allegation, based on personal experience or knowledge, that a staff or faculty member has violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted a policy, procedure, or rule in a way that resulted in a loss or detriment to the student. 

The complaint process does not guarantee resolutions but rather provides students with a formal method to share concerns and engage Seattle Central College employees to address those concerns.

The Student Complaint Policy outlines the process students should follow to initiate a complaint related to college policy, procedure, or personnel action. This includes complaints about grades. Detailed information about the Student Complaint Policy can be found in the Washington Administrative Code (132F-121-060 through 132F-121-090).

All student complaint records are securely retained for six years after student graduation or the last date of attendance and then destroyed in compliance with the Washington State record retention schedules.

For any questions about the Student Complaint Policy, please reach out to the student complaints email at c.student-complaints@seattlecolleges.edu

Types of Student Complaints

Informal Complaint

Students must first attempt to resolve a complaint informally by communicating directly with the college employee most responsible for the policy, procedure, or action in question. If this discussion does not achieve a satisfactory result, or the student does not believe the employee will engage in good faith, the student may bring the matter to the employee’s supervisor.

Grievances should be raised no later than the end of the quarter in which the issue occurred. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may file a formal complaint with the Student Complaint Officer.

Formal Complaint

Steps in the formal complaint:

1. The student submits a written statement describing the policy, procedure, or action in question through the online reporting form.
2. The Student Complaint Officer meets with the student to ask follow-up questions as needed and may request revisions to the complaint.
3. The Student Complaint Officer shares the complaint and supporting documentation with the employee involved and their supervisor, who must provide written responses and summaries of prior resolution attempts.
4. The Student Complaint Officer communicates the responses to the student and, if necessary, may facilitate a conference meeting between the student, employee, and supervisor to seek resolution.
5. Following the conference, a written summary is provided to all parties. If the student remains unsatisfied, they may request a final review by the appropriate administrator, whose decision is final.

Grade Complaint

Students with grade grievances must first attempt an informal resolution by communicating with the faculty member or instructional dean. Assignment grades during the quarter must also be addressed informally at this level.

If the matter is not resolved, the student may submit a formal grade complaint to the Student Complaint Officer.

Please note that:

• Formal grade complaints cannot be filed until the final grade for the course has been posted.
• Formal complaints must be filed no later than the last day of the quarter following the one in which the disputed grade was received, with the exception that spring quarter grade grievances may be filed until the last day of the following fall quarter.

Discrimination and Title IX Complaints

The Student Complaint Policy is not intended to cover complaints of discrimination or sexual harassment. If students believe they have been discriminated against or are the victims of sexual harassment, they should file a report with the District Compliance Office or send a direct email to the Title IX/EEO Coordinator (TitleIX.District@seattlecolleges.edu). Students can learn more about Seattle College's Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying policy on its website.

WSAC Complaint process

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. This is a separate process than the Seattle Central complaint process. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint.

Visit the Washington Student Achievement Council Student Complaint Process page for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.