Adjunct professors

Student Compliant process

Addressing Non-Academic Student Complaints: The Need for a Balanced Appeals Process

In our commitment to fostering a fair and equitable educational environment, we are currently advocating for significant changes to address the treatment of non-academic student complaints involving faculty members. During the last week of fall 2024 the AFA created a Students Complaints Ad Hoc Committee to address the need for a balanced appeal process for ACC employees responding to non-academic student complaints. I have asked Amber Luttig-Buonodono to chair this committee. As it stands, the current process heavily favors students by allowing them three levels of appeal, while faculty are left with limited options. This imbalance calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of the existing system.

The absence of a structured appeals process for faculty creates a problematic dynamic. Faculty members—whether adjunct or full-time—are devoted to serving our students and principles outlined in the Theory of Change at ACC. However, when faced with a student complaint, their options to answer or to appeal a decision made by a supervisor are exceedingly limited. Currently, the only route available for faculty to contest a decision is to file a complaint or grievance, which can be a cumbersome and stressful process. This not only undermines faculty morale.

We believe a more impartial approach is necessary. By implementing a three-tiered appeals process for faculty, similar to that which students currently enjoy, we can create a system that is more just and balanced. Here’s how our proposed process could work:

1. Initial Review: The faculty member should have the opportunity to discuss the complaint with their supervisor to understand the basis of the complaint and clarify any misunderstandings directly. This step encourages dialogue and resolution before escalating the issue.

2. Formal Appeal: Should the matter still remain unresolved, a third level of appeal could involve an external body or a panel that includes faculty, administration, and possibly student representation. This would ensure a thorough and balanced examination of the case from multiple

3. Final Review: If the faculty member feels that the outcome of the initial review was unjust, they should be able to submit a formal appeal to a designated committee. This committee should consist of faculty peers who can impartially assess the situation and provide insights based on professional experience.

It is essential to recognize that fostering a healthy academic environment requires accountability on both sides—students and faculty alike. By introducing a fair appeals process for faculty, we can ensure that no party is left feeling powerless or unheard. This change could encourage a culture of transparency and trust, where complaints are addressed constructively rather than punitively.

We encourage adjuncts to share their thoughts on this proposal as we continue to refine our approach. Engaging in an open dialogue about improving the complaint process will ultimately serve our entire academic community better and lead to an atmosphere where both students and faculty can thrive. Together, we can work towards a system that upholds the principles of fairness, respect, and student responsibility.