Minnesota State Procedure

Part 1: Definitions. For the purposes of Lake Superior College (LSC) Policy 3.8 and Procedure 3.8.1 the following definitions apply.

Subpart A: Appeal. A request for reconsideration of a grievance decision under LSC Policy 3.8 and Procedure 3.8.1.

Subpart B: Complaint. An oral or written claim concerning a college issue brought by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary treatment.

Subpart C: Grievance. A written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary action by an employee involving the application of a specific provision of a college rule/regulation or a board policy or procedure. This policy does not apply to those college rules or regulations or to board policies or procedures that include an appeal or grievance process.

Subpart D: Retaliation. Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating or not participating in a complaint or grievance.

Subpart E: Student. An individual who is enrolled at the College, a group of such individuals, or the campus student government.

Part 2: Complaints

Subpart A: Time Frame. Staff and faculty are expected to work with the student and any other persons involved to respond to the complaint within ten (10) working days of receipt. Decision-making on complaints should occur within 30 days of receipt. Not all complaints constitute grounds for a grievance and may be rejected as so.

Subpart B: Complaint Process

  1. The objective of the procedure is to resolve complaints as quickly and efficiently as possible at the level closest to the student so the student’s educational progress can continue. The student may bring the complaint to appropriate college staff or faculty.
  2. If the student is uncomfortable with approaching the College employee directly, he or she may select an advocate (a counselor, advisor, or other staff member). College employees may document orally received complaints.
  3. All Student Complaints & Grievances forms received should be forwarded by the receiving employee to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs to ensure students receive timely responses and complaints are filed.
  4. Nothing within this process precludes a student from seeking legal counsel at any step.

Part 3: Grievances 

Subpart A: Time Frame. The appropriate administrator shall provide a written response to the complaint within ten (10) working days of its receipt. Decision-making on grievances cases should occur within 30 days of receipt.

Subpart B: Grievance Process

  1. Grievance constitutes improper, unfair, or arbitrary action by an LSC employee involving the application of a specific provision college policy or Minnesota State Board policy.
  2. Grievances must be submitted in writing on the Student Complaints & Grievances form provided by the College’s Academic and Student Affairs offices.
  3. Completed Student Complaints & Grievances forms should be returned to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

Subpart C: Appeals

  1. The student has a right to appeal the grievance decision by filing a written appeal to the appropriate Vice President.
  2. Appeals must be filed within ten (10) working days of receipt of the grievance decision.
  3. The Vice President shall respond provide a written response within ten (10) working days from receipt of the grievance appeal.
  4. The President will reconsider an appeal decision if more information is presented. The President’s decision is final and binding.
  5. If the complaint involves a Minnesota State Board policy or actions of the College President, a student may further appeal LSC’s decision through the Chancellor to the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. The decision of the Board of Trustees is final and binding.

Part 4: Retaliation Prohibited. No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participating, or refusing to participate, in a grievance. Retaliation may be subject to action under appropriate student or employee policies.

Part 5: Forms

Student Complaints Forms

Date Implemented: April 1, 1999

Date Updated:
February 13, 2013
January 15, 2016