At Southside Virginia Community College, we want every student to feel respected, supported, and treated fairly. If something doesn’t feel right, you have the right to speak up.
This page explains how to share a concern or file a complaint, what steps the college will take, and what you can expect throughout the process. You will not be punished for raising a concern, and retaliation is not allowed.
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View Student Complaints Policy & Procedures
What is a student complaint?
A student complaint is a concern about something that happened at SVCC that you believe was unfair, improper, discriminatory, or handled incorrectly. This could involve a college employee, another student, a college process, or a third party connected to the college.
Our goal is to listen, carefully review the concern, and work toward a fair resolution.
What this process covers (and what it doesn’t)
This process may include concerns related to:
Unfair or improper treatment
Discrimination or unequal treatment
Concerns related to disability access, records, age, or other protected areas
College policies, procedures, or decisions that affect you
Important note about Title IX
Concerns involving sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking are handled through the college’s Title IX process, not this complaint procedure.
If you are unsure which process applies, the college can help guide you to the right place.
How to file a complaint
The student complaint process has three steps. Most concerns are resolved early, but additional steps are available if needed.
Step 1: Try to resolve the concern informally
Many concerns can be resolved quickly through conversation.
What to do:
Talk with the person involved, if appropriate
Share what happened and what you think would help resolve the situation
Timeline:
Concerns should be raised within 5 business days of the event when possible
If the concern is not resolved or if you are uncomfortable addressing it directly, you may submit a complaint using the online form.
Your complaint will be reviewed by the Student Experience Coordinator, who will help determine next steps.
Step 2: Submit a formal complaint
If the concern is not resolved in Step 1, you may request a formal review.
Timeline:
Submit the complaint within 5 business days of the Step 1 outcome
What happens next:
The college will review your complaint
A meeting will be scheduled with those involved
The college will gather information and work toward a fair resolution
Who reviews the complaint depends on the issue:
Academic concerns: Academic Dean or Director of Workforce Development & Continuing Education
Admissions or records concerns: Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs
Student employment concerns: Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs
Other concerns: A member of the President’s Council
ADA or Affirmative Action concerns: Vice President of Finance & Administration
What to expect:
Meetings are scheduled within 5 business days of receiving the complaint
You may share information or witnesses
Attorneys or outside representatives are not permitted
Meetings are not recorded
A written outcome will be provided within 10 business days after the meeting
Step 3: Appeal the decision
If you disagree with the outcome of Step 2, you may request an appeal.
Timeline:
Submit your appeal within 5 business days of the Step 2 decision
What happens next:
The appeal is reviewed by the Vice President over the area involved (or a designee)
If no further action is needed, you will be notified within 10 business days
Important timelines at a glance
Raise a concern: within 5 business days of the event
Request formal review: within 5 business days of Step 1
Written decision after meeting: within 10 business days
Submit an appeal: within 5 business days of the decision
Submit a student complaint
If you are ready to submit a complaint, please use the online form below.
👉 Submit a Student Complaint Online
Once submitted:
You will receive confirmation
A college staff member may contact you for more information
Your concern will be reviewed following the steps outlined on this page
Your rights, privacy, and protection from retaliation
Complaints are handled as confidentially as possible
Information is shared only with individuals involved in resolving the concern
Retaliation is not allowed against anyone who files a complaint or participates in the process
The college keeps records of formal complaints for 5 years
You are not in trouble for submitting a complaint.
Filing a complaint will not affect your grades, financial aid, or enrollment.
External complaint options
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Students must first follow SVCC’s complaint process before submitting a complaint to SCHEV.
🔗 SCHEV Webpage for Complaints
GI Bill students
If a concern related to VA education benefits cannot be resolved at the college, GI Bill students may contact:
📧 Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA): saa@dvs.virginia.gov