Page 67 - Chaffee College Student Planner and Handbook 2021-2022

Section II – Student Rights
Due Process
Students are entitled to a prompt and equitable means to address a grade grievance, which guarantees the student(s) involved the due process rights guaranteed to them by state and federal constitutional protections. These rights consist of a fair process, the opportunity for the student to be heard, and affords the student the opportunity to present evidence prior to the determination of the Grade Grievance Hearing Panel.
The student has the right to withdraw their grievance at any time during the grade grievance process, by making a request in writing to the Office of Student Affairs. However, the same grievance shall not be filed again by the same student.
A student’s failure to adhere to specified time frames or appeal any determination within the specified time frame constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal and shall be deemed acceptance of the last determination rendered.
Any time frames specified with the grade grievance proceedings shall be considered maximum and every effort shall be made to expedite the process. Time frames may be shortened or lengthened if there is mutual concurrence by all parties or extenuating circumstances as determined by the Dean of Student Affairs.
Special Request/Accommodations – Student with Disabilities
Any special requests and/or accommodations by a student (for example, sign language, the use of assistive technology, service animals, and other accommodations approved by the Disability Programs and Services office) require approval by the Office of Student Affairs or designee. Such requests must be made at least five (5) instructional days prior to their scheduled meeting and/or hearing. Special requests and/or accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be closely coordinated with Disability Programs and Services office.
Students have the option to bring a person(s) of their choice as support for them during a meeting and/or hearing. The proceedings will still be held with the student and the person(s) cannot speak on the student’s behalf. The student must sign the Confidentiality Waiver Form in order for the person(s) to attend a meeting. The person(s) role is to provide support and the person(s) may not, in any way, disrupt, interfere, or try to present the student’s case within the meeting or hearing process. Any violation of this section shall result in the removal of the person(s).
Role of Legal Counsel
If the student wishes to be accompanied by an attorney, licensed to practice in California, the request must be made in writing at least five (5) instructional days prior to the meeting and/or hearing to the Office of Student Affairs. The request shall include, a retention letter from the attorney confirming that he/she has been retained by the student so that the necessary arrangements can be made for a District attorney to be present at the meeting and/or hearing, if needed. The attorney's retention letter shall include the attorney's state bar number and a telephone number. The attorney’s role is to provide legal counsel to the student and the attorney may not, in any way, disrupt, interfere, or present their respective client’s case within the meeting or hearing process. Any violation of this section shall result in the removal of the attorney.
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