A person that investigates facts and assist in achieving fair settlement of complaints and appeals brought by a student at the College against persons at all levels within the college.

What does an Ombudsperson do?

The Ombudsperson is dedicated to assisting students experiencing problems with any department within the college by considering problems promptly, confidentially and fairly. The Ombudsperson works to protect the rights of all parties involved and is committed to justice and fair treatment of all South Texas College students.

How long does it take to get an answer?

Depending on individual cases the response time is about 7 to 10 working days depending upon if there is a need to gather additional information the student was not able to provide.

After my appeal has been heard how long does it take to the college to process the results?

Once a decision has been made your notice will unusually be read within 2 working days. Additionally, you information will need to be process by the individual departments within Student Services and Development and may take an additional 10 working days.

Who makes up the committee?

The committee is comprised of one representative from each of the following areas:

Admission and Records
Counseling and Advising
Business Office/Cashers
Financial Aid
Testing
Faculty Member
Student Government Association
The Ombudsperson (non-voting member)
Secretary for the Ombudsperson (non-voting member)

Members of the Committee are confidential and their identities are not revealed until the day of the meeting.

Does filing an appeal mean I’ll get what I want?

No, there are no guarantees when it comes to filing an appeal. The committee is fair and impartial and does there very best to make unbiased decisions.

Can I sit in on the meetings?

The meetings are held in private and the identities of members of the committee are confidential are not revealed until the day of the meeting. If you are wishing to file an appeal you are encouraged to attach all documentation and to explain in detail as you will not have an opportunity to speak in front of the committee.

Can I appeal the same thing more than once?

You are only allowed to appeal an issue once; once it is denied and you receive you notice of the outcome the matter is considered closed. The committee also keeps track of the appeals that have been submitted and reserved the right to deny your appeal if you have appeal a similar issue previously.

Do I have to come in to file an appeal?

No, the appeal process is also completely electronic and can be completed and emailed to the Conflict Resolution Center.

Can I call to get the outcome of the appeal?

No, due to confidentiality issues information is not released over the phone. You may receive your outcome by picking it up with a picture ID, having it mailed to you or having it sent to your email address.

Do I have to pay Financial Aid back?

In accordance with Federal regulations you may have to pay or a portion of the Financial Aid received back to the college or the department of Education. The circumstances of your appeal may allow the committee to give some consideration; however, we are not able to make guarantees.

Do I need documentation?

Documentation is not required; however documents that verify your story are helpful to the committee and may assist in them giving you a favorable outcome.

Once given an appeal form, how long before I have to turn it in?

You may take as long as need to complete the form. Please beware the committee only has the authority to make decisions on issue that are one academic year old or less.

How long before a decision is made?

The committee meets on a weekly basis and attempts to reach decisions in 7 to 10 working days. However, should the committee need additional information appeals may be pending for an additional 10 working days.

Do I have to drop my classes?

Yes, students wishing to drop their course without the college keeping a portion of their tuition and fees are required to complete a drop form and official drop their class in accordance to college policy. The student may then submit an appeal to request that the tuitions and fees withheld are refunded.

Am I able to register while my appeal is pending?

If there are extenuating circumstance the Conflict Resolution Center has the ability to request a temporary removal of the hold. However, the consideration is on a case per case basis.

Do I need an appointment to see the Ombudsperson?

No, you may complete the appeal process without having to meet with the Ombudsperson.

What are the hours for the ombudsperson?

The hours are Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm. After 5pm or at a campus other than pecan are by appointment.

Do I have to be currently enrolled to receive services from the Ombudsperson?

No, former student are also eligible to receive the services of the Conflict Resolution Center.

Do I have to sign in to see the Ombudsperson?

Yes, all visitors are requested to sign in.

Where can I get the form I need to file a complaint, grievance or appeal?

There are no official forms to complete to file a complaint or grievance. The appeal form is available at the Conflict Resolution Center, on the STC website and at the Admissions and Records Offices at all STC campuses.

Do I have to file out the form to file an appeal?

Yes, currently anyone wishing to file and appeal must complete the form, unless it can be determine absolutely that the college was at fault.

Do I have to identify my self on the appeal form?

Yes, it is very important when filing an appeal to identify your self. This is the only way we can review your account and determine if we can assist you.

Can a loved one on have access to my appeal information or file an appeal on my behalf?

No, due to FERPA regulations we are only permitted to release you’re to you the student of record.

Can a loved one file a complaint or grievance on my behalf?

No, due to FERPA regulations only you the student of record are allowed to take action on your account.