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Student-Athlete Complaint Resolution

 
Western Technical College Athletics is committed to fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all student-athletes. This complaint resolution process is available to student-athletes who believe they have experienced unfair treatment or misconduct by a coach or athletics staff member. It is designed to address concerns that are best resolved within the Athletics Department and does not replace existing college procedures for handling complaints related to discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence. 
 

Student-athletes are also encouraged to provide anonymous feedback about coaches and their experience through the end-of-season survey conducted at the conclusion of each sport season. This feedback is essential to helping the Athletics Department continuously improve the student-athlete experience at Western. 

Process Overview 

The Athletics Department will communicate directly with the student-athlete throughout the complaint process. 

Stage 1: Informal Complaint 

Before submitting a formal complaint, student-athletes are encouraged to first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the coach or staff member involved. 

If direct resolution is not possible or the student-athlete feels uncomfortable initiating contact, they may report the concern by emailing all relevant details to the Athletics Administrator. 

Upon receiving the complaint, the Athletics Administrator will review the information and attempt to facilitate a resolution through informal means, which may include offering strategies or facilitating a conversation between the parties involved. Upon review of the complaint, the Athletic Administrator may request the individual to file a formal complaint and begin the investigation process. 

Stage 2: Formal Complaint and Investigation 

If the issue cannot be resolved informally, the student-athlete may submit a formal complaint form outlining: 

  • Severity of the concern

  • The nature of the concern 

  • Steps taken to resolve the issue 

  • The desired outcome 

The Athletics Administrator will conduct a thorough review, which may include interviews with coaches, staff, team members, or witnesses. If necessary, a representative from the College’s Student Life division may be invited to participate in the review process. 

Stage 3: Resolution 

Following the review, the Athletics Administrator will summarize the findings and determine any actions to be taken. When appropriate, the decision will be shared with both the student-athlete and the coach or staff member involved as the final step in the process. 

Special Considerations 

  • The Athletics Department will make every effort to protect the privacy of student-athletes during the complaint process and will limit sharing of information to those directly involved in resolving the issue. 

  • Formal complaints will be shared with the coach or staff member involved, who will be given an opportunity to respond. 

  • All complaints involving sexual harassment or sexual violence reported to coaches or athletics staff will be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator and addressed in accordance with Western’s Title IX policies. 

  • Retaliation against any student-athlete for submitting a complaint or participating in a review is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.