Frequently Asked Questions

I have a concern that involves the immediate safety of an individual. What should I do?

If you have witnessed an incident or have a concern that involves the immediate safety of another individual please contact emergency services immediately.

If you are on campus and the incident is occurring on campus, please contact Campus Police and Security Services at 216-987-4911 (emergencies) or 216-987-4325 (non-emergencies). If you are on campus and the incident is occurring off campus, please also contact Campus Police and Security Services. If you are off campus, please dial 911.

What kinds of issues should I be reporting as a general complaint?

General complaints are appropriate for a broad range of issues included but not limited to dissatisfaction with campus services or classes, cleanliness and operation of facilities, and treatment not related to a protected class status. For complaints or concerns related to discrimination/harassment of a protected class or sexual misconduct, please refer to the appropriate reporting buttons.

What is a protected class?

Protected classes are groups of people with a common characteristic who are legally protected from discriminated harassment on the basis of that characteristic. These groups are protected by both federal and state laws.

The College recognizes the following as protected classes: race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic abuse, stalking), pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS status.

My concern is both a complaint and a grade dispute. Which process should I use to resolve these concerns?

The College’s Procedure on Student Complaints and Grade Disputes lists two distinct and separate processes. In this instance, please follow both the Student Complaint process and the Grade Dispute process as described in the Student Handbook. Please note that the Grade Dispute process is only for final recorded grades. This excludes grades on individual assignments and exams.

I received a letter stating that someone has reported a concern involving me and that I allegedly violated the Student Code of Conduct. What should I do?

Any member of the College community may file an incident report alleging that a student violated the Student Conduct Code. The student conduct administrator reviews reports to determine if the information contained in the report is within the parameters of the administration of the Student Conduct Code. The letter serves as notice of an allegation, and it should contain information regarding a conduct meeting. It is important to remember that a conduct meeting does not indicate that a violation has occurred; rather, it is designed to facilitate fact-finding so that a resolution or decision can be made. The College recognizes a student's constitutionally-protected property interest in their education and students are entitled to due process. For more information about the student conduct process, please refer to the Student Handbook.

What kind of privacy/confidentiality can I expect when filing a report?

The College recognizes the importance of confidentiality and privacy. Information will be private except to the extent it is necessary to disclose information in order to respond to a report, effectuate supportive measures, facilitate informal resolution, conduct an appropriate investigation, provide remedies to those who have experienced prohibited conduct, and ensure the safety of the individuals and the College community.

Non-directory student information is protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). FERPA provides for the right to inspect and review education records, the right to seek to amend those records and to limit disclosure of information from the records. Detailed information on FERPA is available on Tri-C's Student Education Records and FERPA webpage.

Can I share my complaint confidentially?

Tri-C's Counseling Services provides free, confidential appointments to currently enrolled students. Complaints shared with other faculty, staff, and student workers are not considered confidential and may require mandatory reporting under federal laws. To book a confidential personal counseling appointment, visit Tri-C's Personal Counseling webpage.

What is the appeal process if I am found in violation of the Student Conduct Code?

A decision reached by the student conduct administrator or a sanction imposed by the student conduct administrator may be appealed by the accused student. After a conduct meeting, the student involved in the allegation will receive a decision letter indicating if they were found responsible or not responsible for the violation and including any sanctions. Appeals must be filed in writing to the Office of Student Affairs within 10 business days of the date the student conduct administrator's decision letter is issued.

What is the appeal process if I am found in violation of discrimination/harassment/sexual misconduct/Title IX?

Parties will have the opportunity to request an appeal in writing to the Director of Institutional Equity within 5 days of the issuance of written determination. Appeals are then reviewed by the respective Appeals Officer. The Appeals Officer will review the appeal request(s) subject to the following grounds:

• A procedural error or omission occurred that impacted the outcome of the hearing.
• To consider new evidence unknown or unavailable, during the investigation that could impact the original finding or sanction.
• Anyone involved in the resolution process had a conflict of interest or bias that affected the outcome of the matter.

What happens after I file a report?

The process for each type of report differs and the processes are detailed below or on the linked pages:

• Student Conduct Process
• Complaints (Academic and General)
• Behavior Intervention
• Title IX/Sexual Misconduct - The Office of Institutional Equity will contact the complainant to discuss the initial assessment process including informal resolution, investigation, formal grievance (including a hearing), supportive measures, etc.
• Discrimination/Harassment - The Office of Institutional Equity will contact the complainant to discuss the initial assessment process including informal resolution, investigation, formal grievance (including a hearing), supportive measures, etc.