Complaint Procedures
Students who feel their rights been violated by an instructor or staff member, or who have a complaint about academic matters including grades and curriculum, should first attempt in good faith to resolve the matter with the source of the complaint. If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of this meeting, they may take their complaint to a department chair or administrator for further review by a third party. If a resolution is not reached at this level, the student may file a formal incident report using the link below.
For support and advice on the complaint/grievance process, a student may consult with the Vice President, Student Services Office at the Santa Maria Campus Building A-213 or by phone at 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3650. For the complete procedure, see AP 5530 and BP 5530– Student Rights and Grievances.
Sexual Harassment
Complaints involving sexual harassment, race discrimination, sex discrimination and
discrimination against those with disabilities, should contact the Title IX Coordinator,
Genevieve Siwabessy, Ed.D., Associate Superintendent/Vice President, Student Services
at 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3659 or file a Title IX Complaint.
Financial Aid
Student appeals relating to Financial Aid decisions, rules and regulations should
contact the Student Financial Aid office in order to initiate the Financial Aid appeal
process which follows established guidelines. The phone number is 1-805-922-6966 ext.
3200.
Accreditation
Students may contact the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
(ACCJC) directly with complaints related to noncompliance with accreditation standards.
Information on the ACCJC complaint process can be accessed at www.accjc.org/complaint-process.