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What is a Non-Academic Complaint?

Cuesta College is committed to providing students with a respectful, supportive, and equitable educational environment. We recognize that concerns may arise during your college experience, and students are encouraged to raise concerns so they can be addressed through the appropriate College process.

A non-academic complaint is a concern involving a College program, service, process, department, or interaction with a College employee that is not directly related to classroom instruction, grades, or other academic matters.

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

Not sure if this is the right process? You do not need to determine that on your own. The Student Support Resolution Coordinator can help you identify the appropriate process or connect you with the College office that can best address your concern.

Non-Academic Complaint Process for Students

Whenever possible, begin by discussing your concern with the Coordinator or Supervisor of the department or program where the concern occurred. This provides an opportunity to discuss the issue, clarify information, and work toward an appropriate resolution.

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

If your concern is not resolved at Step 1, or you need assistance moving forward, you may submit the Student Complaint and Resolution Form.  

The Student Support Resolution Coordinator will review your complaint, follow up with you as appropriate, and connect you with the Dean or Administrator responsible for the department or program involved.

Submitting a complaint does not guarantee a specific outcome or resolution. The College will review the concern and determine an appropriate response consistent with applicable College policies and procedures.

If the matter is not resolved after review by the Dean or Administrator, or you disagree with the decision, you may submit a written request for an appeal to the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Success & Support Programs 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 should not be submitted through the Non-Academic Complaint process. These may include:

  • Academic or classroom-related complaints;
  • Grade appeals;
  • Discrimination or harassment complaints;
  • Title IX matters, including sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination;
  • Disability or accessibility-related complaints when another established process applies; and
  • Student conduct matters.

Need Help?
You do not have to navigate the complaint process alone. The Student Support Resolution Coordinator is available to explain the process, answer questions, and help you identify the appropriate next step.

Student Support Resolution Coordinator

 isaac_valdez2@cuesta.edu.