Dec 11, 2024  
Catalog/Handbook 2019-2020 
    
Catalog/Handbook 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Appeal, Complaint, and Petition Policy


Each Polk State College student is assured the opportunity to express informal appeals and complaints, and to initiate formal appeals and complaints regarding the operation of the College and the actions of its employees performing their duties as stated in the District Board of Trustees Rules 4.26, 4.01, and 3.27.

A student is encouraged to pursue resolution of his or her appeals or complaint with the appropriate College staff member in the informal phase. If resolution is not achieved, the formal phase may be pursued. A student who pursues the formal phase of the process should confer with the Campus Dean of Student Services, who can provide information regarding this process. The Student Bill of Rights and Complaint Procedures  section of this Catalog provides more information about this process.  

Petitions

A student who feels that the College’s regulations have not been interpreted or applied fairly, or who has experienced extreme extenuating circumstances may petition the Polk State College’s Petitions Committee. The Petitions Committee reviews each individual’s written request and renders a decision. The student is responsible for gathering and providing all documentation supporting a petition. Information about the petitioning process is available from student success advisors.

A student who wishes to appeal a residency determination may complete a petition review request along with a Residency Declaration and submit it to the Admission and Registrar’s Office, this is then submitted to the Residency Committee. The decision of the Residency Committee is final with no avenue for additional appeal.

Any student with disabilities who feels the College has not met his or her needs appropriately (other than issues of course substitutions) may appeal to Polk State College’s Equity Committee for an hearing. The decision of the Equity Committee is final. A student success advisor can provide more information about the Equity Committee.