Accessibility

This page provides guidance and tools to help Coastal Bend College employees create and maintain accessible digital content across websites, documents, and instructional platforms.

Visit the Digital Accessibility page.

This page supports event organizers in identifying and addressing accessibility needs before, during, and after campus events.

Visit the Accessible Events page.

Microsoft

• Office Accessibility Center
  • Accessible templates on Office.com
  • Video Trainings: Making your content accessible
• Make your Word documents accessible
• Create accessible PDFs

Adobe

• PDF Accessibility Overview
• Acrobat Accessibility Series
• Create and verify PDF accessibility

Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Individuals with disabilities must have equal access to programs, services, and benefits.

Section 508 establishes requirements for accessible electronic and information technology. When developing, procuring, maintaining, or using digital technologies, institutions must ensure comparable access for individuals with disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue burden.

Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities, including state colleges and universities, regardless of federal funding.

The College aligns its digital accessibility efforts with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and continues to monitor forward alignment with WCAG 2.2.

Coastal Bend College is committed to providing equitable digital experiences for all members of our college community. The College adheres to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards as required by Texas Administrative Code §206.70 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Final Rule. 

Coastal Bend College is actively working to ensure all instructional materials, digital content, websites, and online services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. We are committed to continuous improvement in accessibility and welcome feedback on how we can better serve our community.

Coastal Bend College (the “College”) is committed to providing students with a fair, respectful, and transparent process for addressing concerns, complaints, and grievances related to College actions, decisions, or inactions. The College has adopted an internal grievance procedure designed to ensure the prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints, in accordance with applicable laws and Board policy.

For purposes of this procedure, the terms “complaint” and “grievance” are used interchangeably.

The College strictly prohibits retaliation against any student for filing a complaint or participating in the complaint resolution process.

Any currently enrolled student who believes they have been adversely affected by a College action, decision, or failure to act may file a complaint under this procedure.

This process applies to most student concerns unless a separate Board policy requires a different complaint or appeal process, such as:

• Discrimination or harassment complaints
• Retaliation related to discrimination or harassment
• Academic or grade appeals
• Student disciplinary actions

When applicable, students will be directed to the appropriate policy or office.

Student complaints under this procedure may include, but are not limited to:

• Concerns regarding instructional, administrative, or support services
• Disputes related to College procedures or decisions
• Alleged failure to follow published policies or processes

The College encourages students to first seek informal resolution whenever possible.

Students are encouraged to discuss their concern with the faculty member or administrator closest to the issue who has authority to address the matter. The purpose of the informal process is to resolve concerns promptly and at the lowest administrative level.

Participation in the informal process is encouraged but not required. Students may choose to initiate the formal complaint process at any time. Informal discussions do not extend formal filing deadlines unless mutually agreed to in writing.

A formal complaint must be submitted in writing using a College-provided complaint form.

Filing Requirements

• Complaints must be filed within 15 College business days of the date the student knew, or reasonably should have known, of the issue.
• The complaint should be filed with the lowest-level administrator who has authority to resolve the concern.
• Supporting documentation should be attached when available.

If a complaint is submitted to the incorrect administrator, it will be forwarded to the appropriate office without penalty to the student.

Level One – Initial Review

• The appropriate administrator will schedule a conference with the student.
• A written response will be issued within 10 business days following the conference.
• The response will explain the basis for the decision.

Level Two – Dean Review

• If unresolved, the student may appeal in writing within 10 business days of the Level One decision.
• Review is limited to the Level One record and issues raised.
• A written response will be issued within 10 business days following the conference.

Level Three – President Review

• If unresolved, the student may appeal to the College President or designee.
• A written decision will be issued within 10 business days following the conference.

Level Four – Board of Trustees Appeal

• If unresolved, the student may appeal to the Board of Trustees.
• Board review follows the Texas Open Meetings Act and applicable law.
• The Board’s decision is final. If no decision is issued by the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Level Three decision stands.

Records, Timelines, and Representation

• All complaints and appeals must be submitted in writing.
• Records are maintained at each level of review.
• Students may designate a representative, subject to FERPA requirements.
• Audio recording of conferences is permitted with notice to all participants.
• Filing deadlines are strictly enforced unless modified by mutual written consent.

The College strictly prohibits retaliation against any student who files a complaint, participates in a conference, or assists in the complaint process. Allegations of retaliation should be reported immediately to College administration.

Students retain the right to pursue concerns through external agencies or legal avenues at any time before, during, or after the College’s complaint process.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Students seeking assistance with the complaint process are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services or the appropriate College administrator for guidance on filing procedures and timelines.