*If CAB makes a decision based on written documentation, that decision is final, and the student has no further right to appeal within the system.
Grievance/Complaints Process
Madisonville Community College is committed to ensuring that students are treated fairly and with respect in all aspects of their academic and campus experience. If a student believes that their academic rights have been violated or if they have experienced a non-academic issue related to conduct, they have the right to file a grievance or appeal.
Whenever possible, students are encouraged to resolve concerns informally by first speaking directly with the faculty or staff member involved. If the issue is not resolved informally, students may then proceed with the formal grievance or appeals process outlined below.
Grievance Types
Common issues that may be addressed through this process include:
- Grade Appeals
- Violation of Academic Rights
- Academic Misconduct Charges
- Behavioral or Non-Academic Misconduct Findings
If your concern falls outside these categories—such as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) or Title IX issues—it will follow a separate process.
Informal Steps (Before Filing a Formal Grievance)
- Start with a conversation - If you experience a problem in a class or with a staff member, first attempt to resolve it by speaking directly with them.
- Contact the next level - If the issue remains unresolved, please contact Patricia Lovett, Dean of Student
Affairs, for further assistance.
Phone: (270) 824-1705
Email: tricia.lovett@kctcs.edu - File a formal grievance if unresolved - If the issue is still not resolved, you may file a formal written grievance using the form linked at the bottom of this page.
Timeline for Resolution
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Attempt Informal resolution with instructor or staff | As soon as possible |
| Submit formal grievance to administrator | No later than 5 business days after the first class day of the following semester (for academic grievances) |
| Administrator attempts resolution | Within 15 business days |
| Escalation to Chief Academic Officer (CAO) or Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO) if unresolved | Immediately following administrator review |
| CAO/CSAO attempts resolution | Within 15 business days |
| Student appeal to College Appeals Board (CAB) | Within 10 business days of receiving the CAO/CSAO decision |
| CAB convenes to review appeal | Within 10 business days of receiving the appeal |
| CAB will notify the student and college representatives* | Within 5 business days of their decision |
| Appeal to KCTCS Board of Regents (suspension/expulsion cases only) | Within 30 days of the final college decision |
To view the full KCTCS Student Grievances and Appeals Procedure (6.0-P), including detailed processes and requirements for the College Appeals Board, visit the official policy link.
Student Complaint Form
If you’ve taken the informal steps and are ready to file a grievance or appeal, click below to access the online submission form.
