Student Grievance Procedure
In the spirit of the Maryville College Statement of Purpose, the College sees itself as a "community of learning that includes persons with a variety of interests, backgrounds, beliefs and nationalities." Such differences in attitude and perspective may, at times, result in problems or situations that warrant further institutional review and intervention.
Procedures are in place for appeals of various College policies. Students should refer to the appropriate section of this catalog related to specific appeal processes related to grades, suspension, financial aid, disability service, judicial sanctions, and sexual grievances.
Filing a Formal Complaint
In an effort to provide students with an appropriate and effective response to situations not otherwise addressed in specific appeal processes, students should send a written explanation of their concern/complaint to the appropriate College official for review and resolution.
Concerns/complaints related to academic matters
Most academic issues can be resolved informally through conversation with the faculty member or staff person involved or through consultation with the appropriate division chair. In situations where this has not provided adequate resolution, the concern/complaint should be directed in writing to the Academic Dean or Associate Academic Dean.
Concerns/complaints related to another student(s) and/or student activities outside of the classroom
Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with the other student(s) and/or staff member(s) involved with the problem. In situations where this has not provided adequate resolution, the concern/complaint should be directed in writing to the Vice President and Dean of Students.
Concerns/complaints related to a financial matter
Most financial issues can be resolved through discussion with the appropriate College staff member. In situations where this has not provided adequate resolution, the concern/complaint should be directed in writing to the Vice President and Treasurer.
College Response
Upon receiving a written concern/complaint, the appropriate Vice President or designee will initiate an investigation of the student concern/complaint within 10 working days. The student filing the concern/complaint will receive timely written notification of the College response to the concern/complaint. Records of written student concerns/complaints will be maintained in the Office of the Associate Academic Dean for five years.
Other Complaint Protocols
Should the institution not be able to resolve the student complaint, the student has the right to contact the appropriate agencies to determine the course of action.
Complaints relating to quality of education or accreditation requirements shall be referred to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), (https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2020/01/ComplaintPolicy-1.pdf);
Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution shall be referred to the appropriate State Board (i.e., State Boards of Health, State Board of Education, and so on) within the Tennessee State Government and shall be reviewed and handled by that licensing board (https://www.tn.gov), and then search for the appropriate division);
For students attending programs in Tennessee, complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by that unit (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/consumer/file-a-complaint.html)