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What is an Academic Complaint?

Cuesta College is committed to fostering a learning environment where students are treated with respect, fairness, and support. We understand that questions or concerns about a student's academic experience may arise, and students are encouraged to share those concerns and purse resolution through the appropriate College process.  

An academic complaint is a concern related to a student's academic experience, including:

  • misunderstandings, mistakes, or errors in communication or instructions regarding academic matters or assignments; 
  • concerns regarding the application of established College Board Policies or Administrative Procedures in an academic setting; or
  • concerns involving the exercise of rights of free expression protected by applicable law and College policy.

The Academic Complaint process includes both informal and formal resolution steps established under Cuesta College Administrative Procedures 5530. The goal is to address concerns at the earliest appropriate level and provide students with a clear and fair pathway for seeking resolution. 

Important: Is your concern about a final course grade?

Academic complaints and grade appeals are different processes. If you are challenging a final course grade, please review the Grade Appeal Process to determine the appropriate steps.

Submitting an academic complaint does not guarantee a specific outcome or resolution. The College will review and address concerns in accordance with applicable College policies and procedures.

Academic Complaint Process for Students

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to begin by discussing the concern directly with the instructor involved. Meeting with your instructor provides an opportunity to explain your concern, clarify information, and work toward an appropriate resolution.

The instructor should meet with you within ten (10) working days of your request for a meeting. If the instructor does not meet with you within ten (10) working days, you may proceed to Step 2.

If you are not comfortable beginning with your instructor, you may proceed directly to Step 2.

If your concern is not resolved after speaking with your instructor, you disagree with the outcome, or you chose not to begin with Step 1, you may contact the appropriate Division Chair.

The Division Chair will review your concern and work with you and the appropriate individuals to seek an informal resolution.

If you are unsure which Division Chair to contact, visit the Academic Divisions webpage for assistance.

If the concern is not resolved at the Division Chair level, you may submit a Student Complaint and Resolution Form. 

The complaint will be referred to the appropriate Dean for review. The Dean will follow up with you and may request additional information necessary to understand and address your concern.

If the matter is not resolved after review by the Dean, or you disagree with the Dean's decision, you may submit a written request for an appeal to the Vice President of Instruction in accordance with Administrative Procedure 5530.

The Student Support Resolution Coordinator can provide information and assistance regarding the appeal process.

After completing the College's applicable complaint process, students may have the right to submit a complaint to the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements.

The following types of complaints or concerns are referred to the Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations and Title IX Compliance Coordinator, and will be addressed pursuant to Policy 1565 (Unlawful Discrimination) and not as a student grievance:

  • Sexual Harassment
  • Civil Rights discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, national origin, religious believes, age, gender, color, physical or mental disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual identity, or marital status
  • Retaliation for filing a sexual harassment or other unlawful discrimination complaint, referring a matter for investigation, participating in an investigation of a complaint, serving as an advocate for an alleged victim or alleged offender, or who otherwise furthers the principles of the district's unlawful discrimination policy. (Policy 1565)

Some concerns are addressed through separate College policies and procedures and are not handled through the Academic Complaint process. These include:

  • Final Course Grades – Review the Grade Appeal Process.
  • Discrimination or Harassment – Concerns involving discrimination or harassment are addressed through the College's applicable discrimination and harassment complaint procedures.
  • Title IX – Concerns involving sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or other conduct covered by Title IX are addressed through the College's Title IX procedures.
  • Non-Academic Concerns – Concerns involving College services, programs, administrative processes, or other non-academic matters should be addressed through the Non-Academic Complaint process.

Need Help?
You do not have to navigate the complaint process alone. The Student Support Resolution Coordinator is available to explain the process, help you identify the appropriate College office or administrator, and provide guidance as you move through the complaint process.

Student Support Resolution Coordinator

isaac_valdez2@cuesta.edu.