Grievance Procedures

In accordance with civil rights legislation and Monmouth College’s commitment, it is the policy of the College not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.

It is also College policy to ensure no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any College program or activity.

In response to a request made by a qualified student with a documented disability who is registered with the ASAS office, the College will arrange, at no cost to the student, for the provision of educational auxiliary aids, including sign language interpreters, realtime captioners, note takers, readers, and tutors determined by the College to be necessary to afford the student with a disability the opportunity for full participation in College programs.

If a Monmouth student believes any College personnel have discriminated against him or her because of a disability, he or she has the right to seek a review of such concerns. Students have the option of pursuing either an informal complaint or a formal grievance. If a student opts to pursue an informal complaint, he or she may later pursue a formal grievance if not satisfied with the resolution of the informal process.

Informal complaint procedures

It is recommended, but not required, the student speak first about the concerns to his or her instructor, department chair, program coordinator or a dean. Results of this discussion may include developing strategies for empowering the student to deal with the situation him or herself, having the person who has received the grievance take it under review, or another satisfactory resolution may be readily found. A student who is uncertain about filing a formal grievance may consult informally with Coordinator of ASAS office.

A student who makes use of the informal complaint procedures shall not be retaliated against for doing so. A student may choose another student, faculty or staff member to accompany him or her through the steps of the procedure.

Formal complaint procedures

A student who wishes to file a formal grievance regarding academic accommodations (i.e. testing or course accommodations) must do so in writing to the Office of Student Affairs (located on the ground floor of Poling Hall, 309-457-2114). The purpose of the review is to determine whether College policy has been followed and, if not, to address any resulting consequences and to take appropriate corrective action. Information relevant to the matter may be requested from the involved parties. The Office of Student Affairs will promptly undertake an investigation and provide a written finding to the student upon completion of the review.

A student who wishes to file a formal grievance regarding non-academic accommodations (i.e. housing or mobility complaints) must do so in writing to the Associate Dean of Students/Director of Residence Life (located on the ground floor of Poling Hall, 309-457-2114). The purpose of the review is to determine whether College policy has been followed and, if not, to address any resulting consequences and to take appropriate corrective action. Information relevant to the matter may be requested from the involved parties. The Associate Dean of Students/Director of Residence Life or designee, will promptly undertake an investigation and provide a written finding to the student upon completion of the review.

A student who makes use of the grievance procedure shall not be retaliated against for doing so. A student may choose another student, faculty or staff member to accompany him or her through the steps of the procedure.