Formal Student Complaints

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Coastal Bend College is committed to delivering educational and life-enriching opportunities to students and the communities we serve, regardless of instructional modality, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online instruction.

Formal Student Complaint Process

Students are encouraged to resolve concerns informally whenever possible. If a concern cannot be resolved through informal discussion, students may begin the formal student complaint process.

Important: The Formal Student Complaint Form and Formal Student Complaint Appeal Form are sequential steps and are not interchangeable.

STEP 1

Submit a Formal Student Complaint

Use this form if you have a non-grade-related concern and are beginning the formal student complaint process.

When to use this form:
Start here to formally document and submit your concern for review.

Start Step 1: Formal Student Complaint Form

STEP 2

Submit a Formal Student Complaint Appeal

Use this form only after completing the Formal Student Complaint process and receiving an official written response.

When to use this form:
Continue to this step only if your concern remains unresolved after Step 1.

The appeal notice must be filed in writing within ten days of the date of the written response to Level 1–4.

Continue to Step 2: Formal Student Complaint Appeal Form

Formal Student Complaint Review Process

Discuss your concern with the appropriate instructor, administrator, or college employee whenever possible.
Submit the Formal Student Complaint Form.
The concern is reviewed through the formal process outlined in policy FLD (LOCAL).
If unresolved, submit the Formal Student Complaint Appeal Form within the required timeframe.

Informal Process

The College District encourages students to discuss concerns with the appropriate instructor, administrator, or college employee who has the authority to address the concern. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest appropriate administrative level.

Informal resolution is encouraged but does not extend any deadlines in this policy, except by mutual written consent.

Formal Process

A student may initiate the formal process by timely filing a written complaint form. Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.

The process described in policy FLD (LOCAL) shall not be construed to create new or additional rights beyond those granted by law or Board policy, nor to require a full evidentiary hearing or “mini-trial” at any level.

Academic Grade Complaint & Appeal Process

Students have the right to be free from capricious grading and to be treated fairly in grading and classroom practices. In most circumstances, students should seek to settle any dissatisfaction concerning grades directly with the faculty member involved.

Important: This process applies only to final course grades. The Academic Grade Complaint Form and Academic Grade Appeal Form are sequential steps and are not interchangeable.

STEP 1

Submit an Academic Grade Complaint

Use this form if you believe a final course grade was assigned incorrectly and you are beginning the formal review process.

When to use this form:
Start here to formally document and submit your grade concern for review.

Start Step 1: Academic Grade Complaint Form

STEP 2

Submit an Academic Grade Appeal

Use this form only after completing the Academic Grade Complaint process and receiving an official decision.

When to use this form:
Continue to this step only if your concern remains unresolved after Step 1.

Appeals submitted before completing Step 1 may be delayed or returned.

Continue to Step 2: Academic Grade Appeal Form

Academic Grade Review Process

Discuss your concern with the instructor whenever possible.
Submit the Academic Grade Complaint Form.
The concern is reviewed through the formal process.
If unresolved, submit the Academic Grade Appeal Form.

Informal Process

Informal resolution is encouraged but does not extend any deadlines in this policy, except by mutual written consent.

Formal Process

Related Policy

A student may appeal a final course grade if the student can demonstrate that an inappropriate grade was assigned in accordance with policy FLDB (LOCAL).

Other Complaint Processes

Certain complaints are governed by specific Board policies and procedures. Please review the categories below to identify the appropriate process for your concern. To report a non-grade appeal concern, students should review FLD (LOCAL) Student Complaints.

Complaint Type	Related Policy
Discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, or religion	FFDA / FFDB
Retaliation relating to discrimination and harassment	FFDA / FFDB
Disciplinary decisions	FMA
Complaints concerning a commissioned peace officer who is an employee of the College District	CHA
Complaints concerning the withdrawal of consent to remain on campus	GDA
Academic appeals or grade appeals	FLDB

Title IX Reporting

Coastal Bend College works with various legal mandates set out by state and federal law and college policies related to civil rights, equal employment, and affirmative action. The Title IX Office investigates complaints of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation targeting students.

To report discrimination or harassment complaints, the Title IX online form may be submitted. For more information, review policy FFDA (LOCAL).

Learn More About Title IX

Title IX Coordinator

Dixie Lytle
Title IX Coordinator
Phone: (361) 354-2211
Email: dalytle@coastalbend.edu

State Authorization & Consumer Complaints

Coastal Bend College participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) on a provisional basis. The institution is currently required by the U.S. Department of Education to post a Letter of Credit or is under a Cash Management Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.

Students in SARA states may file a complaint with the appropriate agency in their state or with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Students Within Texas Enrolled in Coastal Bend College Programs

Students within Texas may file complaints with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Complaint Website

Phone: (512) 427-6101
Email: StudentComplaints@highered.texas.gov

Professional Licensure Reminder

Student notification requirements are different for on-ground and distance education programs. Please review the following resources for additional information:

Out-of-State Students Enrolled in CBC Programs Leading to Professional Licensure

Students within SARA states may file a complaint with the SARA State Portal Entity in the student's state of residence.

NC-SARA does not oversee professional licensing board approval for courses or programs leading to professional licensure. If you are not a resident of Texas and you are taking an online course or hybrid program leading to professional licensure, please contact the program director of the degree program to discuss licensure options before beginning your course of study.

Statement of Accreditation

Coastal Bend College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees and certificates.

Questions about the accreditation of Coastal Bend College may be directed in writing to:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
Phone: (404) 679-4500

Visit the SACSCOC Website

Complaint Against SACSCOC Accredited Institutions Policy Statement