Not Sure Where to Start?

You do not need to know which College policy, office, or process applies before asking for help.

If you have a concern involving MCC and are unsure where to begin, the College Ombudsperson can help you identify the appropriate next step.

• Difficulty resolving a concern with a College office or department;
• Questions about which complaint, grievance, or appeal process applies;
• Concerns about communication or treatment by a College employee or department;
• Questions about a College policy, procedure, or administrative decision;
• Concerns that have already been raised but remain unresolved; or
• Other College-related concerns when you are unsure whom to contact.

Before Submitting a Request

Providing complete information helps MCC determine the appropriate way to address your concern. When possible, please provide:

• A clear description of the concern;
• Names or offices involved;
• Relevant dates;
• Steps you have already taken to resolve the matter;
• The response you received, if any;
• Relevant emails, letters, notices, or other documentation; and
• The assistance or resolution you are seeking.

Please do not submit Social Security numbers, banking information, passwords, or other information that is not necessary for MCC to understand your concern.

What the College Ombudsperson Can Do

Depending on the circumstances, the College Ombudsperson may:

• Listen to and help clarify your concern;
• Explain relevant College policies, procedures, and resolution options;
• Help you identify the appropriate College office or decision-maker;
• Explain available complaint, grievance, or appeal processes;
• Refer you to appropriate College resources;
• Facilitate communication with a College office or employee when appropriate;
• Assist with concerns that have not been resolved through normal College channels;
• Help identify informal resolution options when appropriate; and
• Identify recurring or systemic concerns that may warrant College review.

The Ombudsperson determines the appropriate level of involvement based on the nature of the concern and the College processes that apply.

What the College Ombudsperson Does Not Do

The Ombudsperson's role is to help individuals understand and navigate College processes. The Ombudsperson does not:

• Serve as an advocate for one individual or party against another;
• Provide legal advice or legal representation;
• Make academic decisions assigned to instructors, academic deans, or other academic officials;
• Change a grade or substitute for the College's grade appeal process;
• Overturn decisions made through an established College appeal or grievance process;
• Make financial aid, billing, admissions, employment, disability accommodation, or student conduct decisions assigned to another College office;
• Replace MCC's Title IX, civil rights, discrimination, harassment, student conduct, academic, or other established procedures;
• Conduct every type of formal investigation; or
• Guarantee a particular decision or outcome.

When another College process is more appropriate, the Ombudsperson may refer the individual to that process or office.

Privacy and Information Sharing

The College Ombudsperson handles information with appropriate discretion. Information may be shared with College officials when necessary to review or address a concern, administer an applicable College process, comply with College policy or legal obligations, or address health or safety concerns.

Because some information reported to the College may require action or referral under College policy or applicable law, the Ombudsperson cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances.

When possible and appropriate, the Ombudsperson will explain the process and potential need to share information before proceeding.

1. Initial Review
The Ombudsperson will review the information you provide. MCC generally acknowledges receipt of an Ombudsperson Assistance Request within two business days.

An acknowledgment does not necessarily mean the matter has been accepted for Ombudsperson review or that the concern will be resolved within two business days.

2. Determine the Appropriate Process
The Ombudsperson will determine whether the concern is appropriate for Ombudsperson assistance or should be addressed by another College office, official, complaint process, grievance procedure, or appeal process.

3. Additional Information
You may be asked to provide additional information or documentation necessary to understand the concern. This may include information about what occurred; individuals or offices involved; steps you have already taken; responses you have received; relevant dates; and supporting communications or documents.

The Ombudsperson's ability to review a concern may be limited when sufficient information is not available.

4. Assistance or Referral
Depending on the circumstances, the Ombudsperson may provide information about College processes, identify options, facilitate communication, refer the concern to the appropriate College office, or provide other appropriate assistance.

5. Conclusion
When appropriate, you will be informed when the Ombudsperson's involvement has concluded or when the matter has been referred to another College process.

A referral or conclusion of Ombudsperson involvement does not necessarily constitute a determination regarding the merits of the underlying concern.

Some concerns are addressed through specific MCC offices or established complaint, grievance, or appeal procedures. You may contact the appropriate office directly. If you are unsure which process applies, contact the College Ombudsperson for assistance.

Academic or Classroom Concerns

Students are generally encouraged to begin by discussing an academic or classroom concern with the instructor when appropriate. Concerns that cannot be resolved with the instructor may be directed to the appropriate academic dean. Academic Dean information is listed in the course syllabus.

Final Course Grade

Students who believe a final course grade was assigned incorrectly should use MCC's established grade appeal process. The Ombudsperson may explain the process but does not determine or change grades.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Suspension, Dismissal, or Readmission

Questions regarding academic standing, suspension, dismissal, or readmission should be addressed through the applicable MCC academic process.

Metropolitan Community College Readmission

Discrimination, Harassment, and Civil Rights Concerns

MCC prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected status as provided by applicable law and College policy.

Concerns involving discrimination, harassment, or other civil rights matters should be reported through MCC's designated civil rights reporting and complaint process.

The College Ombudsperson can help individuals identify the appropriate process but does not replace MCC's designated civil rights procedures.

• Nondiscrimination Notice
• Student Harassment Policy (V-2)
• Grievance Procedures Policy (V-3)

Student Grievance Form for Alleging Discrimination/Harassment

Title IX and Sex-Based Discrimination

Individuals may report sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, pregnancy-related discrimination, or other concerns that may fall under Title IX to MCC's Title IX Coordinator.

You may report an incident to MCC regardless of where it occurred. MCC will evaluate the report and determine its obligations and available response based on the circumstances, applicable College policy, and applicable law.

Metropolitan Community College Title IX

Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation On-Line Reporting Form

Pregnancy and Related Conditions Request Form

Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Process

Questions about financial aid eligibility, awards, documentation, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), or financial aid appeals should generally be directed to Financial Aid.

The Ombudsperson may assist individuals in identifying the appropriate process but does not make financial aid eligibility or appeal decisions.

Financial Aid

Student Conduct

Concerns involving possible violations of MCC's Student Code of Conduct should be addressed through the College's student conduct process.

Metropolitan Community College Student Conduct

Hardship Withdrawal

Students experiencing significant circumstances that affect their ability to complete coursework may review MCC's Hardship Withdrawal process to determine whether they may be eligible to request a withdrawal.

Approval of a Hardship Withdrawal does not result in a tuition refund, waiver, or removal of courses from the academic record.

Metropolitan Community College Registrar Forms & Services

Tuition, Fees, Refunds, or Student Account Concerns

Questions regarding tuition, fees, account balances, payment arrangements, or refunds should generally be directed to the appropriate MCC student accounts or financial services office. College refund policy questions are handled by Student Accounts at 531-MCC-2405.

Tuition/Billing Concerns /Refund Policies

Disability-Related Accommodations

Students seeking disability-related academic accommodations should contact MCC's designated disability support office. Questions or concerns about an accommodation decision should be addressed through the applicable accommodation review or appeal process.

Metropolitan Community College Disability Support Services

Student Support or Concerning Behavior

If you are concerned about a student who may be experiencing significant personal difficulties, distress, or other circumstances affecting their well-being or success, MCC's Student Help and Referral (SHARE) process may be appropriate.

Student Help and Referral Form

Still Not Sure?

If your concern does not fit one of these categories—or you simply do not know which process applies—you may contact the College Ombudsperson.

Request Ombudsperson Assistance

If you need assistance accessing or completing the Ombudsperson Assistance Request, contact the College Ombudsperson at 531-MCC-8030.

Individuals who need disability-related assistance or an accommodation may also contact the appropriate MCC accessibility or disability support office.