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Concerns and Complaints

Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is committed to excellence and recognizes that not all policies, procedures, and processes work for every individual or circumstance. Students and the community deserve the opportunity to have their concerns addressed in a fair manner and the College deserves the opportunity to address circumstances and to improve. 

Student Concern and Complaint Processes

Students may contact a Student Success Coach for assistance with the concern and complaint process and to determine the correct process to use.

Grade Appeal

Should a situation arise in which a student believes they have not been treated fairly in the calculation of a particular course grade or individual grade within a course follow the Grade Appeal Process –

https://www.wdt.edu/assets/docs/uploads/current-students/student-handbook/section-6-2022-2023-student-handbook.pdf.

Student Code of Conduct Violation

As stated in WDTC Policy 4014 – Student Conduct, WDTC has a responsibility to protect its mission and the members of the College community. The College has established reasonable standards for academic and personal conduct that allows others to learn, study, work, and relax in a safe and orderly environment. For information on the Code of Conduct for students and how a member of the WDTC community may file an allegation of a violation, please see https://www.wdt.edu/assets/docs/uploads/current-students/student-handbook/section-6-2022-2023-student-handbook.pdf.

Discrimination and Harassment/Sexual Harassment Title IX

All employees, non-employees, and students have a responsibility to maintain a positive learning, work and school activity environment by reporting all incidents or suspected incidents of discrimination and/or harassment involving themselves or others.

WDTC will not tolerate racism, discrimination, harassment, exploitation or victimization of students, school employees, non-employees, or any person who is an invitee of WDTC for any reason, including but not limited to race, color, ethnic background, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, religion, creed, age, sex, citizenship, political affiliation, mental and/or physical challenge, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, status as a veteran, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. WDTC is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of discrimination for students, employees, non-employees and its invitees. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries or complaints regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Student Success who serves as the Title IX Coordinator.

Please visit https://www.wdt.edu/current-students/discrimination-and-harassment/ for information on the Director of Student Success’ contact information, how to report, and policies and procedures that will be used to address.

Other Student Complaints

WDTC works to protect the rights of all students. WDTC is committed to providing a safe environment that promotes intellectual growth and personal development. Students should be afforded the right to an environment free of unfair or improper action by any other member of the WDTC academic community as described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities section.

See Other Student Complaints in the WDTC Student Handbook for the resolution process that will be used for complaints brought forth by students against a member of the WDTC community if the complaint is not covered by other established resolution/complaint processes –

https://www.wdt.edu/assets/docs/uploads/current-students/student-handbook/section-6-2022-2023-student-handbook.pdf

It should be noted that students hold a responsibility for complying with all WDTC policies and procedures and the requirements of individual courses as outlined on the course syllabus provided by each instructor.

Out-of-State Distance Education Students

Students located outside of South Dakota, excluding California, who are participating in distance education courses only must first attempt to resolve complaints following the processes established by the College. If the complaint is not resolved, students may file a complaint with the State Portal Entity https://www.sdbor.edu/administrative-offices/academics/SD-SARA/documents/ComplaintForm-SD-SARA.pdf.

Students located in California must first attempt to resolve complaints following the processes established by the College. If the complaint is not resolved, please see more information at the California Department of Consumer Affairs at https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaints/oos_students.shtml.


Other Concern and Complaint Processes
WDTC's Accreditor Complaint Procedure

WDTC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC has a complaint process designed to identify substantive problems with the College’s ability to meet the Criteria for Accreditation or other HLC requirements. Please see the Higher Learning Commission website for information on types of complaints HLC will address and how to file the complaint.

WDTC’s institutional accreditation along with program specific accreditation can be viewed at https://www.wdt.edu/about/accreditation/.

WDTC's State Board Complaint Procedure

WDTC's state board is the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. Please see https://bote.sd.gov/system.aspx and click the Complaint Form button for information on types of complaints the Board may address and how to file the complaint.

Consumer Protection

Allegations involving violation of consumer protection laws may also be filed with:

Office of Attorney General
Division of Consumer Protection
1302 E Hwy 14 Ste 3
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-4400, 1-800-300-1986 (in-state only)
Fax: 605-773-7163
Email: consumer-help
Web: online complaint form

Public Comments and Complaints

WDTC values the public’s feedback regarding the College’s performance. Members of the public who have concerns or complaints regarding WDTC should follow WDTC Policy 5005 and its associated procedures and forms.

Policy 5005 – Public Comments and Complaints

Policy 5005

Procedure 5005.001 – Public Comments and Complaints

Procedure 5005.001

Form – Public Comments and Complaints

Public Comments and Complaints

For assistance with the WDTC complaint process, please contact Kelly Oehlerking at kelly.oehlerking@wdt.edu or 605-718-2931.

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