Resolution of Disagreements Related to PACE
Students with disabilities have the right to appeal any decision regarding accommodation(s) provided by the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District. This may include perceived denials of accommodations, suspension of services, or other decisions regarding accommodations and use of auxiliary aids. Authorized accommodations should be delivered during the appeal process.
- Grievances generally relate to specific areas of concern
- Grievance with PACE for not authorizing a requested accommodation (1st level)
- Grievance with PACE for not providing an authorized accommodation (1st level)
- Grievance with PACE for suspension of services (2nd level)
- Grievance with another faculty/staff/administrator (non-PACE employee) for not complying with an authorized accommodation (1st level)
Allegation of disability harassment or discrimination (Administrative Procedure (AP) 3430)
An individual who believes he/she has been discriminated against and/or harassed because of his/her disability is not required to participate in the informal grievance process described in detail below and may choose to file a complaint under AP 3430 (Prohibition of Unlawful Discrimination or Harassment). For additional informational, please review related Board Policy (BP) 3430.
An individual who wishes to file a complaint of discrimination and/or harassment under AP 3430 is encouraged to complete and sign the District complaint form found here. The District, however, will treat a written and signed complaint submitted in a different format, such as letter or e-mail, as a formal complaint, and will address its merits as if it were filed using the District complaint form.
All complaints of discrimination and/or harassment based on disability should be filed with:
Marrianne Williams
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
(530) 242-7648
FIRST LEVEL – Informal Grievance:
Students with a grievance against PACE for not authorizing an accommodation or not providing an accommodation as authorized should first attempt to resolve the matter by means of an informal meeting with the person(s) against whom the student has the grievance, generally the counselor, LD specialist, or staff member responsible for providing the accommodation. This discussion should be timely, optimally within ten (10) school days of the alleged incident.
Students who believe an authorized accommodation is being denied or ignored by a district employee such as an instructor or other employee should first attempt to resolve the matter by means of an informal meeting with the person against whom the student believes is not complying with the accommodation. This discussion should be timely, optimally within ten (10) school days of the alleged denial.
SECOND LEVEL – Informal Grievance:
Students who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their meeting with either the PACE staff member or another district faculty/staff/administrator can schedule an appointment with the Director of PACE. Students should bring their referral for accommodation along with the relevant information about dates of requests, services not received, and responses to their previous inquiries. Students should address these concerns to the Director of PACE within ten (10) school days of the first level meeting.
Director, Partners in Access to College Education
Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District
P.O. Box 496006
Redding, CA 96049-6006
(530) 242-7799 (voice)
(530) 225-4888 (TTY)
The Director may conduct an informal inquiry with various parties involved in the alleged incident and inform students verbally of the resolution. The Director should communicate this resolution to the student within ten (10) school days of the second level grievance meeting.
THIRD LEVEL – Informal Grievance:
If the grievance can not be resolved at the second level within ten (10) school days, students should contact the Vice President of Student Services. The Vice President will review the grievance with Director of PACE and attempt to resolve the grievance informally. This discussion must take place within ten (10) school days after contact at the second level. The Vice President of Student Services should respond to the student’s grievance within ten (10) school days.
Vice President of Student Services
Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District
P.O. Box 496006
Redding, CA 96049-6006
(530) 242-7669
FOURTH LEVEL – Formal Grievance:
If the grievance cannot be resolved informally at the third level, the student will be asked to state the grievance in writing within ten (10) school days. This written statement should be directed to the Vice President of Student Services at the address listed above.
The Vice President will review the report of the findings issued by the Director of PACE and conduct any further inquiry or interview as deemed appropriate and provide a written decision within ten (10) school days of receiving the written appeal.
FIFTH LEVEL – Formal Grievance:
If the grievance cannot be resolved at the fourth level within ten (10) school days, the grievant may seek a review with the college Superintendent/President. A copy of the stated grievance and all written documentation of findings will be submitted to the Superintendent/President for review. The Superintendent/President shall have ten (10) school days to render a written decision.
Anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR). According to OCR, a complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days of the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by OCR for good cause.
Additionally, according to OCR, if a grievance is filed through the institutional process of the district and then filed with OCR, the complaint must be filed with OCR within sixty (60) days after the last act of the institutional grievance process.
Office for Civil Rights/San Francisco
U.S. Department of Education
50 Beale Street, Suite 7200
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 486-5555
Fax: (415) 486-5570
Reference:
Education Code Sections 67310, 84850; Title 5, Sections 56000 et. seq.
Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title 2, Americans with Disabilities
Act Title III-4.2300