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The College of the Ozarks is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for the campus community. The College values an engaged environment where students are able to contribute to their overall educational experience by discussing concerns in a timely and professional manner. Students are welcome to engage the appropriate College officials, as necessary, to resolve student complaints. The College will address these student complaints in a timely and appropriate manner. Students may resolve complaints on an informal level or submit a written grievance.
Informal Resolution Procedure
Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with the appropriate faculty or staff member to resolve matters informally. Informal resolutions are initiated by the student with the person(s) involved and/or the direct supervisor of the person(s) involved. Students who are not satisfied with the informal resolution procedure may submit a formal written grievance.
Written Grievance Procedure
Formal grievance concerns must be in writing and include all the appropriate documentation needed to review the complaint. Written student grievance complaints should be submitted to the Dean of Students. Grievance complaints will be reviewed, and the student will be contacted within ten (10) business days to verify receipt of the written complaint. Additional information may be requested by the College official at this time in order to ensure the necessary information is obtained to review the complaint.
The formal grievance process may include a meeting to discuss the student’s concern. A final determination regarding the student’s grievance will be addressed within thirty (30) days of the submitted receipt of the formal complaint. The College may provide a written notification of the determination. The decision made by the Dean of Students or designee is final and not subject to further appeal.
The grievance policy does not apply to complaints that are addressed by other College policies such as:
- Students who wish to report sexual misconduct, discrimination, and/or harassment of any kind should file a complaint with the Dean of Students. Please refer to the Title IX Policy and Procedures of the Student Handbook.
- Accommodation requests involving academics, work station, and/or physical accessibility are outlined under the Students with Disabilities section of the Student Handbook.
SARA/Distance Learning Grievance Process
SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) provides a voluntary, regional approach to state authorization of postsecondary distance education. Complaints against College of the Ozarks when it is offering distance learning opportunities and thus operating under SARA policies go first through the College’s own procedures for resolution of grievances. Allegations of criminal offenses or alleged violations of Missouri’s general-purpose laws may be made directly to the relevant state agencies.
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