Complaint Mediation and Grievance Resolution Procedure
CDS Complaint Mediation Handout 
Many problems are a result of misunderstandings, which can often be resolved by direct discussion with the other party. Thus, if you are having difficulty with a person, office, or department at Everett Community College (EVCC), your first option is to meet with that person or someone from that office to discuss your concern. You may also utilize the on-campus grievance procedures listed in the EVCC Student Rights, Responsibilities & Policies.
While the Center for Disability Services (CDS) is available to offer advice and support on the Complaint Mediation and Grievance process to students registered with CDS, we can also refer non-CDS students to the appropriate offices or individuals for assistance with their complaints or grievances. If a student has a complaint or grievance regarding CDS, students’ first point of contact would be the CDS Director. Please feel free to drop in at Parks 268, call or email. If the CDS Director is unable to satisfy your complaint or grievance, or if you prefer to address your complaint or grievance at a higher level from the start, complaints or grievancesmay be directed to the Dean of Student Development, whose name and contact information is listed on the Student Services main web page.
Everett Community College has established both formal and informal grievance procedures for students to utilize when necessary.
When making a complaint, be specific. Document the incident(s) and the action(s) taken. Be thorough in your documentation and include the dates, times, names and a statement explaining the interactions. State the name of the individual(s) or office(s) you believe have discriminated against you, when the incident occurred, and describe the incident. If you are attempting to resolve a problem that includes a number of offices, it is important to let each office know what other efforts you have made to try to resolve the complaint. Keep a record of all written correspondence between yourself and the various offices with which you work.
There is a Student Affairs Grievance Procedure (WAC 132E-120-370) in place for students who have evidence that they have been unfairly treated in matters related to student services/student auxiliary services, policies, procedures or expectations. In cases where a student is not satisfied with the accommodations offered by CDS, the student would first contact the Vice President of Instruction & Student Services. If satisfaction is not achieved, the student should utilize the Student Affairs Grievance Procedure, which can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities of the Student Handbook.
There is an Academic Grievance Procedure (WAC 132E-120-360) in place for students who have evidence that they has been: Unfairly treated in matters relating to grading, course policies or expectations; falsely accused of cheating; or inappropriately penalized for alleged cheating. Please consult Everett Community College Student Handbook for detailed information on this procedure.
There is also a Discrimination / Sexual Harassment (WAC 132E-120-380) procedure in place for students who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, age, sex or national origin. In this event, the Discrimination/Sexual Harassment procedure (WAC 132-120-380) should be followed. Please consult Everett Community College Student Handbook for detailed information on this procedure.
If your complaint/grievance remains unresolved to your satisfaction after following the college’s informal and formal grievance procedures, you may be interested in contacting the organizations listed below to receive assistance with mediation or to file a complaint.
The Washington State Human Rights Commission 
can be contacted at 1-800-233-3247 (voice) or 1-800-300-7525 (TTY) to file a complaint(s) outside of the Everett Community College System.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education handles complaints pertaining to post-secondary institutions. When a student is not satisfied with the on-campus efforts to resolve a complaint, OCR is usually the place to turn. OCR will examine the factors of the alleged discrimination and interview appropriate persons to establish the facts. You can contact them at 1-800-421-3481(voice) or 877-521-2172 (TDD).