Back See this section in context: Criterion 1 Core Component 1E

1E.7: Makes Timely Response to Complaints

Operating in the spirit of the Shared Ethical Values, Sauk strives to minimize the number of complaints and grievances, but maintains policies and practices that ensure a prompt hearing and fair treatment for those seeking remedies:

• Affirmative action: The college’s Affirmative Action Plan contains a grievance procedure that any employee, employment applicant, student, or student applicant may obtain by contacting the Human Resources Director. The Affirmative Action Policy is posted on the Sauk website, and job candidates are informed about the policy when they interview. There have been only two complaints filed since 2004, for which confidential investigations were opened within 24 hours.
• Sexual harassment: Board policy describes how students or employees may file a complaint. Students are informed of the policy and procedures in Orientation (PSY 100). Faculty and staff are informed in their new employee orientation and at periodic training thereafter. Information on filing complaints is also posted around the campus. Confidential investigations are opened within 24 hours. Since 2004, there have been seven sexual harassment complaints filed and resolved in a timely manner.
• Security: Sauk maintains uniformed security personnel on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Annual Security Report is produced in compliance with the Campus Security Act of 1990 and is posted on Sauk webpage. The report indicates that there have not been any reported crimes or arrests at Sauk in the past three years.
• Academic complaints: The complete Academic Appeals Process is described in the college catalog. The appeal begins with the instructor, subsequently with the instructor’s supervisor, and if unresolved, results in a formal hearing to the Academic Appeals Board. Since 2003, there have only been four Academic Appeals Board hearings. In all cases, the initial response was within 24 hours and the Academic Appeals Board met within a week to decide the issue.
• Student complaints: The general student complaint procedure, which provides students an avenue to have their grievances addressed and resolved in compliance with federal regulations, is posted on the Sauk website. The Dean of Student Services maintains a log of student complaints and provides the log to the Dean of Institutional Research and Planning twice a year to analyze for reoccurring problems and to assure that grievances receive an appropriate response. All of the official complaints have been resolved quickly, most within a week.
• Financial aid: The Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for financial aid, scholarships, and veteran’s benefits ensures that students meet the pertinent eligibility requirements. When students disagree with an eligibility finding, they have access to the policy’s appeal process. In FY10, there were 594 successful appeals where decisions were reversed and students were found to be eligible. Unsuccessful appeals are not tracked and recorded.