University Grievance Procedure
This Procedure does not apply to grade appeals
Internal Process
A grievance is a serious complaint that demonstrates that the student has been or is being adversely affected by: 1) inappropriate interpretation of University policies; or 2) inappropriate response, lack of response, or decision by any person with administrative control and responsibility.
A grievance is directed toward the University, not a specific person, and should be in writing per the grievance procedure published in the university catalog. Student grievances are typically items such as administrative issues, financial issues, technical issues, faculty performance, program content, program effectiveness/expectations, or library services that were not able to be resolved in an informal manner.
If a student has a grievance with Trident regarding University procedures, decisions, or judgements, the student has a right to seek a satisfactory resolution through the formal avenues of the University Grievance procedure:
Step 1: Notification:
When a student has a concern, the student should first discuss and/or attempt to resolve any grievance with the faculty member, staff member(s), or other appropriate administrator. If a mutually satisfactory outcome cannot be negotiated between the student and other party, the student may escalate the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Step 2: Written Submission:
If the Office of the Ombudsman is unable to resolve the grievance, the student may submit their grievance in writing, via the Grievance Form, to department leadership through the Office of the Ombudsman or the student portal. Department leadership will review the Grievance Form and determine a resolution. If these steps do not yield a satisfactory resolution, students may file a written appeal with the Grievance Appeals Board through the Office of the Ombudsman.
Step 3: Appeal:
If the student chooses to appeal the decision of the Department, the student must submit his/her request to appeal the decision to the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will convene the Grievance Appeals Board to review the appeal and render a decision. The student will receive notification of the Grievance Appeal Board’s decision via the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Grievance Appeals Board decision is final and non-appealable.
A student should refer to the “Agreement to Submit to Trident's Grievance Procedure" section of their Enrollment Agreement and Disclosure document for important terms and conditions regarding this Grievance Procedure and other rights.
Office of the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman staff is responsible for answering student inquiries and serving as a liaison between the student and the University departments where communication has broken down or is not yielding resolution. If problems occur, an Ombudsman staff member initiates a resolution of such problems and guides students through the University’s Grievance Procedure. Students may contact the Office of the Ombudsman at Ombudsman@trident.edu. The Ombudsman for Trident is Brandie Riegle.