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Our goal is that students are satisfied with the education and services received at Clark. If you do have a concern about your experience – services received, quality of instruction, interaction with staff – you may follow our complaint process to seek resolution or be heard.

Any student who has a concerns and feels they have been treated unfairly has the right to file a formal complaint. A formal complaint process has been established in order to assure impartial and equitable resolution for those challenges and concerns.

What it is:

Student Complaints are for students to report a grievance towards a professor or Clark College administrator once an informal complaint process is not successful

What it isn't:

Student Complaints is not an avenue for issues with an independent appeal process, such as Academic Appeals, Academic Standards, Code of Conduct, FERPA, Financial Aid, Grades, Title IX, Discrimination and Harassment, and Safety/Parking. In case of emergency, please call 911.

Who is it for?

The Clark College formal student complaint process is for current students enrolled at Clark. All other persons should utilize alternative options to report a concern.

Complaints should be filed as soon as possible and no more than 60 days after the incident occurs.
All complaints must be submitted through the approved Clark College Student Formal Complaint form.

The student complaint process may not be used for issues that have independent appeal processes in place. Examples of these include, but are not limited to Academic Appeals, Academic Standards, Code of Student Conduct, FERPA, Financial Aid, Grades, Title IX, Discrimination and Harassment, and Safety/Parking. Matters which are not grievable at the student complaints level include the following:

Federal and State laws
Administrative Procedures Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW)
Employment and personnel decisions
Policies of the Board of Trustees
Rules and procedures adopted by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges or the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Initiating and Resolving a Complaint

To initiate a complaint, fill out the student complaint form linked above, this can be initiated by a student or an employee can file on behalf of a student. During this process, the student will receive resource information and support navigating the resolution of their concerns. A complaint may be resolved at various stages of the process. Complaints should be filed as soon as possible and no more than 60 days after the incident occurs.

You will be contacted formally through your Clark College student email within 10 business days of filing your concern. You will be provided information regarding next steps in the process and may be asked for additional information, if necessary.

Review the full college policy and procedure for student complaints:

Administrative Policy and Procedure 735.000

Student Complaint FAQs

What is an informal complaint?

An informal complaint is the first step in the student complaint process. You must attempt to resolve your concerns directly with the individual you are having an issue with before moving to the formal complaint process.

How do I resolve a complaint informally?

We ask that you first speak directly with the individual that you have an issue with. This is done in a respectful manner and at a time and place when the conversation can be professional and confidential. In your conversation, be specific about what your concerns are and why behavior, decisions or actions were unfair to you. Through the informal complaint process specific issues may become clearer, and the problem can be readily addressed. Informal complaints are often times the quickest and easiest way to resolve an issue. As a professional courtesy, we ask that you schedule an appointment to meet with the individual you have an issue with. You may also contact them by phone or email.

What if I don't feel safe speaking to the person I'm having a problem with?

If you are not comfortable talking directly with the individual you are having an issue with, we ask that you contact their immediate supervisor.

Why should I file a complaint?

Clark College is committed to providing you with a safe learning environment and positive educational experience. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, you have the right to be heard. Please refer to Administrative Policy and Procedure 735.000 for specific information regarding all complaint processes. The student complaint process may not be invoked for matters that have independent appeal processes established. If you are alleging discrimination you can file a complaint with our Diversity Center located in GHL 214.

Can my complaint be submitted anonymously?

In most situations we will need to know who is submitting a complaint in order for us to appropriately and fairly resolve issues. Your information will only be shared with those college employees that need to know this information in order to successfully resolve your concerns. You should not anticipate any retaliation of any sort as a result of your complaint.

Can a person make multiple complaints against one person even if the other situation has been resolved?

Yes, if there is another issue that has arisen by the same parties but a separate incident, then a complaint can be filed. Please note that an attempt to resolve the issue informally must first occur.

Can I file a complaint about another student?

Complaints about another student must be followed through the Clark College code of student conduct.

When should I file a formal complaint?

We encourage you to attempt to resolve informal complaints right away. Formal complaints may be submitted after you have exhausted all efforts first to resolve your concerns informally. Complaints should be made no more than 90 days after the incident occurs.

Where do I file my formal complaint?

File your complaint online through the Online CARE Report - select "Student Complaint" as your report type. Your online formal complaint form is received and then forwarded by college staff responding to the appropriate areas depending on whether the issue is instructional or non-instructional in nature.

What kind of documents can I include along with my complaint?

You may include any documentation that you feel supports your complaints. Examples include but are not limited to copies of emails or hand written documents that you have from the other party, or anything that corroborates your claim. Please note that attaching documents with confidential information such as social security number, student identification number or credit card numbers is not advised. If you choose to send these, please line out this information.

Who do I contact if I do not hear from someone in the allotted 5 days?

You can follow up by emailing us at studentcomplaints@clark.edu or by contacting a staff member in the Vice President of Student Affairs office.

How can I follow up on my complaint?

After we have received your formal complaint and supporting documentation, you will receive an email message from us letting you know what to expect next. You will be given information on who to follow up with should you have questions.

Contact

Contact info here

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