Process
It is the philosophy of the TCATs that many complaints can be resolved through open and clear communication, and should be resolved at the lowest level possible. Therefore, the student should first discuss the complaint with the instructor, administrator or student involved in the matter in an attempt to resolve the concern.
If the concern cannot be resolved through informal discussion, the student may file a written complaint with the Student Services Office or the Allied Health Office. The Coordinator of Student Services or Director of Allied Health will meet with the student, investigate the complaint, consult other TCAT personnel or students as needed, determine an appropriate resolution, and notify the student, in writing, of the outcome.
If the student is not satisfied with how the administrator attempted to resolve the issue, the student may appeal to the President. The President may discuss the matter with the student and the administrator, and any other personnel he/she feels appropriate. The President will provide a decision to the student within five (5) days of receipt of the appeal.
Complaints
Students or prospective students who wish to file a complaint regarding violations of state law not resolved at the institution may submit a Student Complaint Form to the Tennessee Board of Regents at 1 Bridgestone Park, Third Floor, Nashville, TN 37214, or by completing the online form.
Under Tennessee’s open records law, all or parts of complaints will generally be available for review upon request from a member of the public.
Records of student complaints filed in accordance with TCAT’s grievance policy are kept on file in the Vice President’s Office.
Complaints regarding accreditation can also be made by contacting the Council on Occupational Education (COE) at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300 Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia 30350.
Fraud, Waste, or Abuse Complaints
Complaints of fraud, waste or abuse may be made online, by email at reportfraud@tbr.edu or by calling the Tennessee Comptroller’s Hotline for Fraud, Waste, and Abuse at 1-800-232-5454.
Limitations on Scope and Use of Process
Allegations of sexual or racial harassment or discrimination shall be processed in accordance with TBR Guideline P-080, Discrimination & Harassment - Complaint & Investigation Procedure. Grade appeals should comply with the appropriate grade appeal process. Matters regarding student discipline are processed in accordance with the student disciplinary policies and rules found at TBR Policy 3:02:00:01, General Regulations on Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions, Policy 3:02:01:00, Student Due Process Procedures, and Rule 0240-3- 21-.01, et. seq., of the rules published by the Tennessee Secretary of State. Students should also consult the student handbook. Appeals of traffic or parking citations should be processed as specified by each institution.
Grievance Proceedings
See TBR Uniform Procedures for Grievances by Students at TCAT’s: TCAT-023
If either party involved in the grievance is not satisfied with the decision of the President, the student shall be advised of his/her right of appeal to the following:
Council on Occupational Education
7840 Roswell, Building 300, Suite 325 Atlanta, GA 30350
(707) 396-3790