Complaint Process
Whenever possible, complaints are handled locally/departmentally and are routed through the next review level as necessary. The desired outcome of this process is that the complaint be resolved at the most local level with an opportunity for the complainant to pursue the matter at the next highest level if the proposed solution is not satisfactory or if no resolution is possible.
Federal regulation (HEA Title IV, CFR, Sections 600.9 and 668.4 (3)(b)) states that all Title IV eligible institutions must have and disclose a state administered complaint process. To comply with this requirement, Grossmont College has enacted the following procedures.
Process for Submitting All Types of Complaints by Prospective and Current Students:
- To submit a complaint email to the department supervisor/chair detailing a summary of the problem, including the steps taken to resolve the issue, and the desired outcome. If, after meeting with the department supervisor/chair, you are not satisfied with the outcome, contact the administrator of the appropriate department or division. If, after meeting with the administrator of the appropriate department or division, you are not satisfied with the outcome and have taken the appropriate steps to resolve the matter through the established chain of command, contact the vice president of that division.
- A complainant may also utilize the campus complaint form and the complaint will be routed to the responsible department.
Process for Submitting All Types of Complaints by Community Members:
- To submit a complaint send an email, detailing a summary of the problem, including the steps taken to resolve the issue and the desired outcome to the Vice President of Administrative Services, Vice President of Instruction, the Vice President of Student Services, or the College President.
- A complainant may also utilize the campus complaint form and the complaint will be routed to the responsible department.
Process for Submitting Unresolved Complaints from Prospective Students, Current Students, and/or Community Members to the State Level:
- Although it is our goal to resolve complaints at the campus level, there may be times when a complainant is not satisfied with the outcome. In these situations, the complainant is encouraged to contact the California College Chancellor's Office at https://www.cccco.edu/Complaint-Process-Notice
- There is a separate link for discrimination complaints. (see below)
Process for Submitting Discrimination Complaints:
- For more information regarding submitted a complaint that pertains to unlawful discrimination, please visit the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) Nondiscrimination Notice.
- A complaint may be submitted to the complaint to the California Community College Chancellor's Office website at: https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/General-Counsel/Programs/College-District-Discrimination-Appeals
Process for Submitting Accreditation Complaints:
- To submit a complaint pertaining to the institution's compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards, please submit the information to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which accredits the academic programs of the California Community Colleges. The link to submit your complaint may be found at: https://accjc.org/complaint-process/
(Nothing in this disclosure should be construed to limit any right you may have to take civil or criminal legal action to resolve your complaints.)