Warren Wilson College is committed to supporting a campus climate that is respectful and supportive of all who work, live, study or participate in activities or events in the campus community. When disagreements arise, the College strongly encourages all members of the community to engage one another informally, within the spirit of the Community Commitment, which asks us to commit to "engage in honest and constructive communication."
However, if, after informally seeking a solution to problem, a student wishes to formally register a complaint or appeal a formal decision, they should follow the processes outlined below. In the case of a hate/bias incident, students should not attempt an informal resolution.
All student complaints and appeals are routed to the appropriate responsible administrator, who will investigate the situation, seek an equitable solution, and report back to the student in a timely manner.
The following steps make up the process for resolving a student complaint or appeal:
- Student attempts informal resolution
- Student submits written complaint or appeal via link below
- Complaint or appeal is routed to the appropriate administrator
- Administrator contacts student to confirm complaint or appeal
- Administrator conducts investigation and makes decision
- Administrator contacts student to communicate decision and options.
A formal complaint arises when students believe, based on established College policies and procedures, that they have been treated in an inconsistent or arbitrary manner by a College employee and informal methods of resolving the concern remain unaddressed or unsatisfactory. File a formal complaint.
An appeal arises when a decision made by a College employee remains unsatisfactory or when extenuating circumstances may reasonably support an appeal. File an appeal.
In the case of a complaint that relates to a hate/bias incident, students should not attempt an informal resolution. Warren Wilson College defines a hate or bias-motivated incident as any disruptive conduct (oral, written, graphic, or physical) that is against an individual, or individuals, because of their actual, or perceived race, color, national origin/ancestry, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran and National Guard status, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or arrest/conviction record. If you believe the incident involves criminal conduct, please call Security at (828) 230-4592, in addition to completing the form.
All Hate/Bias Incident Reports will be handled by the College's Title IX Coordinator.
Process
Formal complaints and appeals will be handled according to the following:
- Academic Affairs Office/VPAA handles complaints and appeals regarding: Academic Courses, Registrar’s Office, Academic Support Services, Study Abroad Office, Library/Pew Learning Center
- MFA Program Office/Director handles complaints and appeals regarding the MFA Program
- Student Life Office/VP of Student Life handles complaints and appeals regarding: Housing/Residence Life, Public Safety/Parking, Conduct
- Financial Aid Office/VP Enrollment handles complaints and appeals regarding: Admission, Financial Aid
- Applied Learning Division/VP Applied Learning handles complaints and appeals regarding: Work, Service, Internships
- Administration and Finance/VPAF handles complaints and appeals regarding: Billing, Facilities & Grounds, Food Service, Bookstore, Campus Post Office, Information Technology
- President’s Office/President/Board of Trustees handles complaints regarding: senior administrators and the president (these get routed to the Board chair)
- Human Resources Office and the Dean of Students handle any complaint against an individual that is NOT hate/bias or Title IX
- Title IX Coordinator/VP of Student Life handles all Hate/Bias Incident or Title IX reports
Due to the variability in types of complaints and appeals, the timeframe for resolving a case will vary. Each complaint or appeal will be handled by a "case coordinator" who will work with all parties to ensure a resolution is reached as expediently as possible.
Warren Wilson College adheres to all student grievance and public complaint policy requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Information about complaints against the College or against SACSCOC.
North Carolina State Complaint Process and/or
Complaints about the NC Need-Based Scholarship Program
Warren Wilson College is committed to providing opportunities for students to share complaints and seek resolution. Students with complaints about Warren Wilson College and/or if they wish to complain about their NC need-based scholarship and that complaint has not been resolved through the college internal complaint processes may file a complaint against the college with the North Carolina Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Division. For information regarding this process please visit: http://ncdoj.gov/Consumer.aspx or www.ncdoj.gov/complaint or you may contact them at the information listed below.
North Carolina Department of Justice
Consumer Protection Division
9001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
Phone number: 1-877-566-7226