Student Complaints & Grievances
A complaint should not be confused with a formal grievance or appeal (i.e. Grade Appeals, Discipline Appeal). The College will direct students to the appropriate policy for issues that are not complaints.
Specific Complaints & Grievances
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. All public and private schools, colleges, and universities receiving Federal funds must comply with Title IX. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion.
Learn more about Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's Title IX Policy
Appeal of Grade
If a student wishes to appeal a grade or academic decision, he/she must first meet with the faculty member to discuss his/her grievance, or with his/her advisor in the case of change of academic status.
Academic Dismissal Appeals
If a student wishes to appeal an academic dismissal,
Academic Dismissal Appeals Procedure
Appeal a Disciplinary Sanction
A student may appeal a decision in a case for the following reasons (severity of sanctions, due process, or new information):
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To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of policy for which the student was found responsible
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To determine presence of any procedural error which substantially affected the outcome of the case
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To determine if new information that is discovered which was not available at the time of the investigative process could have affected the outcome of the case.
Process for Appealing
A student wishing to appeal should submit his/her written appeal stating the reasons for such a request to the Director of Student Services within two (2) days of receipt of the original decision. Appeals are due by 4:30 p.m. on the second day following the original decision. Sanctions may be in effect while a case is under appeal. Appeals are heard by the President or their designee. The decision of the President is final.
Disability
Any questions regarding the approval or implementation of accommodations should be discussed with the Disabilities Coordinator. Any issues will be resolved through discussion among the instructor, Disabilities Coordinator, student, and if necessary the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
More information on Accommodations
Criminal Complaints
Call Campus Security for all emergencies: 717-606-1564
Security personnel can respond quickly and will initiate emergency procedures by dispatching emergency responders and contacting the administrators.
Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action
The College’s non‐discrimination policy states that Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (The College) does not discriminate in admissions, employment, or in any of its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification. All College faculty, staff, students, contractors, consultants, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with this policy.
The College intends to fully comply with its Non-Discrimination Policy in accordance with state and federal laws, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and with federal laws, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and 1975, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act; and all other applicable laws, and policies. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination for the College:
Marian V. Wilson, PhD
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Title IX Coordinator
(717) 391-1365
750 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
More information on Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action
Report discrimination or harassment
Reports of discrimination and harassment may be filed outside the College with the: Pennsylvania Department of Education Equal Employment Opportunity Representative Bureau of Human Resources, 333 Market Street, 11th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 Voice Telephone: (717) 787-4417, Fax: (717) 783-9348.
Non-Retaliation
Retaliation against an individual who has reported a claim of illegal harassment and discrimination or who cooperates with an investigation in good faith is prohibited and will be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment and/or dismissal from the College.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
File A Formal Complaint
To file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please follow the procedures listed on their website.
Other Complaints or Grievances