Student Rights
As a student-centered
institution, it is essential that we inform students of their rights with
regard to formal student complaint and grade appeal processes, policies and
procedures. If you have any questions or need assistance with the processes
below, please contact the Dean of Student Services & Accessibility.
Complaint Process
Coastal Bend College is
committed to delivering superb educational and life-enriching opportunities to
its students and the communities we serve regardless of instructional modality
(e.g., face-to-face, hybrid, or online). To report a non-grade appeal, students
should for the Coastal Bend College policy FLD(Local) Student
Complaints. This policy may be found on our website and in the College Catalog. If the
complaint is unresolved, the student may file a complaint with Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board or the designated agency in the state where the
student is receiving instruction.
Student Complaints
Informal Process: The College District encourages students to
discuss their concerns with the appropriate instructor or other campus
administrator who has the authority to address the concerns. Concerns
should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest
possible administrative level. Informal resolution shall be encouraged but
shall not extend any deadlines in this policy, except by mutual written
consent.
Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at
the lowest possible administrative level. Informal resolution shall be
encouraged but shall not extend any deadlines in this policy, except by mutual
written consent.
Formal Process: A student may initiate the formal process described
below by timely filing a written complaint form. Even
after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek
informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved
may withdraw a formal complaint at any time. The process described in this
policy shall not be construed to create new or additional rights beyond those
granted by law or Board policy, nor to require a full evidentiary hearing or
“mini-trial” at any level. There are four levels to the Formal Student
Complaint Process, visit policy FLD (LOCAL).
Formal Student Complaint Appeal Process
The appeal notice must be filed in writing, on a form provided by the College
District (online appeal form below), within ten days of the date of the written
response to Level 1-4.
Other Complaints Processes
1. Complaints
alleging discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, gender,
national origin, disability, age, or religion. [See FFDA and FFDB]
2. Complaints
concerning retaliation relating to discrimination and harassment. [See FFDA and FFDB]
3. Complaints
concerning disciplinary decisions. [See FMA]
4. Complaints
concerning a commissioned peace officer who is an employee of the College
District. [See CHA]
5. Complaints
concerning the withdrawal of consent to remain on campus. [See GDA]
6. Complaints concerning academic appeals/grade appeals. [See FLDB]
Academic Grade Appeals
Students have a right to be
free from capricious grading and to be treated fairly in grading and classroom
practices. In most circumstances, students should seek to settle any
dissatisfaction concerning grades directly with the faculty member involved. If
a final course grade dispute cannot be settled in this way, the student may
file a Course Grade Appeal on a form provided by the College
District.
This Course Grade Appeal Process only applies to final course grades. A
student’s final course grade can be changed only at the discretion of the
instructor or as a result of this Course Grade Appeal Process. A student may
appeal a final course grade if he or she is able to demonstrate that an
inappropriate grade was assigned as stated in policy FLBD (LOCAL).
Title IX Reporting
Title IX Reporting
Coastal Bend College works with various legal mandates set out by the state and federal law and college policies related to civil rights, equal employment, and affirmative action. To report discrimination or harassment complaints, the Title IX online form can be submitted. The Title IX Office investigates complaints of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation targeting students. Policy FFDA (Local)
If you wish to report a Title IX-related incident, please contact CBC's Title IX Coordinator, Dixie Lytle at dalytle@coastalbend.edu or (361) 354-2211 or complete the online Title IX reporting form. To learn more about Title IX, please visit http://www.coastalbend.edu/titleix/.
State
Authorization
Coastal Bend College is a member of the
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) and
thus recognizes reciprocity with all students who are members of the SARA
organization. Students in SARA states may file a complaint with the agency in
their state, or with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Contact
information for both agencies follows.
Students
Within Texas Enrolled in Coastal Bend College Programs:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Complaint website. Students may also call the THECB at
512.427.6101 or file a complaint via email at StudentComplaints@thecb.state.utx.us
Out-of-State
Students Enrolled in CBC Programs leading to professional licensure:
Coastal Bend College been
approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization
Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Students within SARA states may file a
complaint with the SARA Portal Agency in the home state of the
institution. However, NC-SARA does not deal with professional licensing
board approval for any courses or programs leading to professional
licensure. If you are not a resident of Texas and you are taking an online
course or hybrid program leading to professional licensure, please contact the
program director of the degree program to discuss licensure options prior to
beginning your course of study
Statement of Accreditation:
Coastal Bend College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees and
certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Coastal Bend College may be
directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by
calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website
(www.sacscoc.org). Complaint
Against SACSCOC Accredited Institutions Policy Statement