(1) The purpose of these procedures is to provide guidelines which enable a student to express and resolve misunderstandings, complaints, or grievances in a fair and equitable manner. These procedures are to be used for addressing informal grievances and formal grievances against college employees as far as the collective bargaining agreement under which the employee works allows.

(2) Students have the right to receive clear information and fair application of college policies, standards, rules and requirements and are responsible for complying with them in their relationships with college personnel. The grievance procedure emphasizes an informal resolution which promotes constructive dialogue and understanding. Available to all students and it is intended to protect the rights of both the complainant and the respondent. The formal procedures should be used when informal process does not resolve the issue.

(3) A "grievance" is defined as a good faith allegation based on personal experience or knowledge by a student or students that there has been a violation, misapplication, or misinterpretation of some service or rule as it applies to students in the institution by a staff or faculty member of the institution, resulting in loss or detriment to the complainant. However, an objection to disciplinary action under the student conduct code is only appealable under that code, and cannot constitute a grievance.

(4) The student grievance procedure described is not intended to cover grievances of discrimination or sexual harassment. The college has separate, specific procedures for such grievances.

(5) Each college president shall appoint a grievance officer to handle student grievances. This position shall be filled by an employee whose position is below the level of vice president. The district chancellor shall designate a grievance officer to handle grievances against Siegal Center employees. If the president or chancellor determines, upon request, that the grievance officer has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a particular matter, they may appoint a substitute grievance officer for that matter. Information on the identity and location of the grievance officer(s) and about this procedure shall be readily available within each college.

(6) Each campus will appoint one or more nonstudent employees who will serve as student process advocates. This role will guide the student through the informal and formal process.

(7) No respondent or district employee shall take adverse action or otherwise retaliate against a student because that student initiated a good faith grievance or assisted another student with a grievance.

(8) Federal and state laws, rules and regulations, in addition to policies, regulations and procedures adopted by the state board for community college education or the board of trustees of Seattle Colleges shall not be grievable matters.