Student Grievance Policies
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday:
9:00 AM—5:00 PM or by appointment.
Contact Information
Student Grievance Policy Statement
CIAM is committed to fostering a fair, respectful, and supportive academic environment. Students have the right to be free from unfair or improper treatment by any member of the CIAM community. A grievance may be initiated when a student believes they have experienced unjust action or a violation of their rights as outlined in institutional policies or applicable state or federal laws. Grievances may be filed against faculty or staff members and are addressed through the procedures outlined below.
Academic Grievance Procedure
Most academic concerns can be resolved through direct communication between the student and the faculty member. Students are encouraged to address issues as soon as they arise, and no later than three (3) calendar days after the last scheduled day of class.
If the issue is not resolved, the student and faculty member will consult with the Student Success Advisor to seek resolution. Should the matter remain unresolved, the student may initiate a formal grievance by completing a Grievance Resolution Form, available through the Office of the Registrar. The completed form must be submitted in writing to the Student Success Office within two (2) weeks of the action giving rise to the grievance.
The academic grievance process includes the following levels of review:
- Faculty Member
- Student Success Advisor
- Conduct & Appeals Committee
- Provost
If the matter advances beyond the Student Success Office, it will be reviewed by the Conduct & Appeals Committee, composed of representatives from Student Success and Academic Affairs. The Committee will review all documentation and may request additional information from involved parties. Within five (5) working days, the Committee will submit findings and recommendations to the Provost, who will render a final decision. The outcome will be communicated in writing to both the student and the faculty member. CIAM aims to resolve academic grievances within thirty (30) days of the initial filing.
Non-Academic Grievance Procedure
CIAM treats all non-academic complaints with the utmost seriousness and confidentiality, including concerns related to bullying, discrimination, harassment, or other misconduct. Students or members of the public are not required to exhaust internal processes before seeking external resolution.
The Director of Campus Success or the Title IX Coordinator will address non-academic complaints within five (5) working days, except in cases involving sexual harassment or sexual violence, which follow CIAM’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and may require up to sixty (60) days for investigation.
Complaints may be submitted informally (verbal and unofficial) or formally (written and documented).
Three-Stage Complaint Resolution Process
Stage One – Informal Complaint
A complainant may raise an informal concern with the Student Success Coordinator. The issue will be reviewed by the appropriate Department Head within three (3) business days, with a response provided within five (5) business days. Complaints of an urgent, threatening, or criminal nature will be escalated immediately to the Director of Campus Success.
Stage Two – Formal Complaint
If unresolved or if the complainant prefers, a formal written complaint may be submitted directly. Formal complaints must be filed within ten (10) business days of receiving the initial response. The Student Success Coordinator will review the complaint within three (3) business days and provide a written response within five (5) business days.
Stage Three – Final Review
If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, they may submit a written appeal to the Director of Campus Success within ten (10) business days. The complaint will be reviewed within fifteen (15) business days, and a final written response will be issued within thirty (30) business days. CIAM strives to resolve all grievances within thirty (30) days of the initial filing.
Filing a Complaint with the State
Students or members of the public may also file a complaint with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) by calling (888) 370-7589 or by submitting a complaint form through the BPPE website at www.bppe.ca.gov.