Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures

Procedures for Student Grievances for the School of Arts and Sciences 

Montreat College is committed to fostering a Christ-centered community where students are heard, respected, and supported. The following complaint process provides a clear and consistent pathway for students to submit non-academic concerns related to campus services, residence life, student interactions, safety issues, or other matters affecting their student experience.

This process ensures that all complaints are:

• Acknowledged in writing
• Reviewed by the appropriate Student Life staff member
• Addressed in a timely and consistent manner
• Documented for institutional review and improvement

Students submitting complaints that involve academic issues, Title IX matters, disability accommodations, or conduct appeals should use the specialized grievance processes linked on the Student Policies page. 

Student Grievance Process Step by Step

1. Submit the Complaint Form | Students complete the online Student Complaint Form.
2. Receive Written Acknowledgement | Students receive an automatic confirmation email, including a PDF of their submission.
3. Review and Routing | The complaint is routed to the appropriate Student Life office for evaluation and follow-up.
4. Investigation and Response | A written response is provided within 10–14 business days.
5. Appeal Option | If a student disagrees with the outcome, they may submit a written appeal within 7 days of receiving their decision.
6. Annual Review | All complaints are logged to support institutional assessment and continuous improvement. These logged reports are reviewed by Student Life and SGA every Semester.

Additional Grievance Process Information

• In a case involving disrespectful treatment, sexual harassment (follow Title IX process if applicable), threatened harm or retaliation by any employee of the college, a formal complaint should be made with the Dean of Students.  
• If the Dean of Students is involved in the complaint, the Dean of Academics will conduct the investigation. The Dean of Students or Dean of Academics will make every effort to investigate the complaint within 10-14 business days. 
• The investigator may involve other appropriate individuals (counselor, nurse, residence director, administrator, faculty member or staff person) in the investigation, as needed, to offer assistance or to be 41 assigned as an advocate for the student bringing the complaint.  
• Strong consideration will be given to protect the student’s identity and to keep the matter as confidential as possible. 
• Students seeking redress of their grievances are protected against any retaliation by staff, students, or faculty.

Procedures for Student Grievances for the School of Adult and Graduate Studies

Academic and Non-Academic Grievance Procedures can be found on page 46 in the AGS Academic Catalog. 

North Carolina Complaint Process

The Attorney General of the State of North Carolina is empowered by law to receive, investigate and work to resolve complaints that may arise against Montreat College or other North Carolina private, non-profit colleges and universities. It has been determined by the Attorney General’s office that persons wishing to file a complaint against Montreat College or other private, non-profit colleges and universities in the state can use the link on the N.C. Department of Justice website to learn how to file a complaint. In addition to using this link, you may file such a complaint at the following address:

North Carolina Department of Justice
Consumer Protection Division
9001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-9001

Online Consumer Complaint Form

You may also contact the Attorney General of North Carolina to initiate this type of complaint by calling: 1-877-566-7226. Outside of North Carolina, please call 919-716-6000. En Español 919-716-0058.