It is the policy of Hesston College not to discriminate on the basis of disability. Hesston College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations implementing the Act. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for Hesston College to retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance.

Procedure:

• Grievances which are related to academics must be submitted to the academic dean within two weeks of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action. Grievances which are not academic in nature must be submitted to the vice president of student life within two weeks of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
• The complaint should be in writing and contain information such as the student’s name, address, phone number, email address and specific details regarding the complaint. Alternative means of filing complaints that are available to Hesston College, such as a personal interview, large print or a recording, will be made available if requested.
• The academic dean or the vice president of student life shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. The disability services coordinator will maintain the files and records of Hesston College relating to such grievances.
• The academic dean or the vice president of student life will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing.

Appeal Procedure:

• The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision by writing to the vice president of academics, if the complaint is academic in nature; or to the college president for grievances that are non-academic, within 10 days (excluding weekends) of receiving the previous decision. The vice president of academics or the president shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 15 days (excluding weekends) after its filing.
• The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Hesston College will make every attempt to provide appropriate arrangements to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided accommodations to participate in the grievance process. The coordinator of disability services will be responsible for such arrangements. At Hesston College, the Section 504 coordinator is the coordinator of disability services.

Handbook 2024-25