A non-academic complaint is any difference of opinion or dispute between a student and an instructor, administrator, staff member, or another RCC student pertaining to the interpretation and/or application of the policies and procedures of the College and the Virginia Community College System, excluding issues of instruction and classroom management. Non-academic grievances shall also include those pertaining to student governance issues, student activities, advising, inappropriate behavior, and other concerns that a student might present for redress.

A student who is experiencing dissatisfaction in a non-academic matter at the College must discuss the complaint with the dean of student development. Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve the matter through informal discussion. The dean will work with all parties involved to mediate the complaint in a timely manner. In order to mediate the complaint, the dean may engage faculty or staff members relevant to the complaint in an informal discussion. The decision of the dean regarding a non-academic complaint is final.

To initiate this action, contact the dean of student development.

If an RCC faculty, administrator, or classified staff member is involved, contact any of the following and/or file grievance procedures:

• Employee’s Direct Supervisor
• Dean of Student Development
• Vice President of Instruction and Student Development
• Vice President of Finance and Administration
• College President

As an alternative to filing a formal grievance, a complaint may be discussed and/or filed in writing with the EEO Officer of the college or Virginia Community College Systems Office.

Police/Prosecution

Assaults will be reported to the police by the dean of student development. Reporting an assault does not require the victim to prosecute at the time of the assault. The victim may not feel prepared to make that decision immediately following the assault. However, a delayed report could result in the loss of physical evidence that could be vital in legal proceedings. After reporting the assault to the police, the decision to continue legal proceedings is the victim’s.

If the assault occurred on campus, it should be reported to the dean of student development or campus security.

If the assault occurred off-campus, it should be reported to the local police department or county sheriff’s office.

The victim may choose not to report the assault to the police. If the victim chooses not to report the assault immediately, it can be reported later. Victim’s services are available through local law enforcement agencies.

Civil Action

An individual who has been sexually assaulted may choose a civil course of action against the assailant. If the victim wishes to explore this option, private legal counsel should be consulted.

This page was last modified on October 21, 2010. If you are looking for previous catalog information, please reference the 2006-2007 Catalog, 2008-2010 Catalog, 2010-2012 Catalog.