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