STUDENT GRIEVANCES

Students who have grievances shall have an opportunity to express them through proper channels. The President has established the following review committees to handle all forms of student grievances:

Academic Review/Admissions Committee
Appeals Committee
Scholarship/Financial Aid Committee
Student Affairs Committee
Athletic Committee

Students seeking review of a grievance should make a written request for review WORD Form Document to the:

Vice President of Student Affairs for grievances related to the Student Standards of Conduct or athletics
Assistant Dean of Educational Services for grievances related to scholarship/financial aid
Vice President of Academic Affairs for grievances related to academic concerns.
Vice President of Instructional Services for grievances related to admissions or requesting an appeal to an earlier grievance.

Students in the Criminal Justice Institute do not come under the jurisdiction of the review committees named in the previous paragraph. Criminal Justice students must follow the Process for Disciplinary Review as described in the Criminal Justice Policy Manual.

Student Ombudsman

Indian River State College has a Student Ombudsman Office which helps students to understand College policies and procedures, facilitates communication, and assists in conflict resolution apart from engagement in the College's formal grievance procedures. The Student Ombudsman Office provides an initial point of contact to ensure student concerns and appeals regarding issues such as student's access to courses, credit granted toward the degree, and other matters are referred to the appropriate department to be resolved in a prompt, efficient and impartial manner. Through the Student Ombudsman Office, IRSC seeks to ensure that all students are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

The Student Ombudsman assists students by:

Listening and helping to resolve student concerns or complaints.
Clarifying College policies and procedures.
Answering questions.
Referring issues and concerns to the appropriate department or office.
Helping define available options.
Recommending revisions in College policies and procedures when appropriate.
Maintaining open and constructive communications.
Providing students with information and notification regarding opportunities for assistance and appeal, including the College's formal grievance procedures.

The IRSC Director of Student Development serves as the College Ombudsman, and is accountable to the President and Vice President of Student Affairs. The Student Ombudsman can be reached at (772) 462-7476 or slowe@irsc.edu.