How to File a Complaint

Also See:  Student Complaint Guidelines

There are multiple ways to file a student complaint at FSCC.

1. Complaints are typically best resolved when addressed early and directly with the individual/department with which the complaint is concerned. Students are encouraged to take the “ABC” approach to resolving the issue:
2. Open dialogue directly with the individual.  If the student does not feel comfortable doing so or is unsatisfied with the outcome, they may move to B.
3. Raise the concern at the next available level.  If the matter remains unresolved, the student may move to C.
4. Escalate the matter to the next highest level in the department/division.

For example, the ABC approach to a concern in the classroom might include starting at A with the faculty , moving to B with the department chair, and escalating to C with the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Alternatively, in some circumstances, it may be appropriate to contact the Vice President of Student Affairs or Human Resources during steps B or C.

*Please note that this approach may not be appropriate in all situations, including emergencies, crisis, or threats.

• Students may file written complaints of any kind by using an online form

Complaints submitted through this link will be reviewed and referred to the appropriate college departments based on the type of complaint.

Types of Student Complaints at Fort Scott Community College

• Academic Complaints: Matters related to academic issues, including faculty concerns, classroom content and environment, etc.
• Non-Academic Student Complaints: Any other non-academic complaint that is not covered by another avenue of redress through the College policy and procedures.
• Code of Conduct: Behavior in violation of FSCC Student Code of Conduct, including but not limited to academic dishonesty, alcohol and controlled substances, bullying, or other disruptive behavior. Note:  This category is not intended to include reports of student sexual misconduct, student discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, as those reports are maintained in the appropriate reporting categories listed.
• Student Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation: Prohibited conduct by students engaging in harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, disability, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected class.  This category also includes reports of retaliation against any person for filing or providing information related to a complaint or prohibited conduct or against any person engaging in otherwise protected activity.                 
  Note: Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation by employees or third parties maybe reported to the Human resources office.
• Student Pregnancy and Parenting: Fort Scott Community College is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning environment for pregnant and parenting students.  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities, including academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other school programs or activities.  This prohibition includes discrimination against pregnant and parenting students.
• Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct by students, including non-consensual or unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature, including sexual assault, rape, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, sexual intimidation and hostile work/academic environment.  Note: Sexual Misconduct by employees or third parties may be reported to Human Resources.

• If you know the type of complaint, you may skip the above step and submit your complaint directly to the appropriate college department by following the applicable complaint procedure, several of which are listed below

Complaints about Academic Issues:

• Grade Appeals – Student Grade Review and Appeal Policy
• Refunds – Refunds Policy
• Satisfactory Academic Progress – Sap Policy for All Students

Complaints about Non-Academic Issues:

• Report A student violation of the Code of Conduct – FSCC Student Code of Conduct and Student Complaint Form
• Appeal a disciplinary action – Student Disciplinary Appeal Process
• Report sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment or retaliation – Incident Report
• Other non-academic complaints – Student Complaint Form

• In addition to FSCC’s complaint processes, certain student complaints maybe submitted to outside agencies as outlined below (this list is non-exhaustive and there may be other agencies that will receive and process complaints):
• Consumer protection and/or fraud – Complaints may be filed with the Kansas Attorney General’s office.
• Discrimination complaints – Complaints against the college or its employees may also be filed with the Kansas Human Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Education’s Officer of Civil Rights (OCR).
• Complaints regarding State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) – May be filed by students enrolled in these courses with the Kansas Board of Regents Office.
• FSCC Accreditation eligibility – FSCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  Complaints regarding the College’s ongoing eligibility to meet the Criteria of Accreditation may be filed following HLC Guidelines. Some academic programs may also have specific state or federal accrediting agencies to review complaints (i.e., nursing).
• It is the goal of the College to process all complaints in a timely manner.  Unless otherwise stated, in most instances, FSCC will conduct its initial review and acknowledge a complaint within seven business days of receiving.  If more time is needed, the complainant will be notified.
• FSCC is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for ensuring lawful implementation of complaint procedures.  If you believe that your complaint has not been addressed satisfactorily with the FSCC administration after exhausting all applicable College complaint procedures, you may submit a Board of Trustees Complaint Form to the Board of Trustees.  Please complete the entire form.  The Board will respond to your communication within 45 days.
• Questions about the complaint process or a pending complaint?  Contact the Dean of Students, Vanessa Poyner by emailing vanessap@fortscott.edu or calling (620) 223-2700 ext. 3500.