Mechanisms for Submission of Online/Offline Students’ Grievances
There are transparent and effective online and offline mechanisms at RVCAS for the submission and resolution of student grievances.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
Student Grievance Redressal Cell
Student Grievance Redressal Cell (SGRC) has been constituted as per the directions of Higher Education Department, Govt. of Kerala.
- Purpose
To provide a clear and fair process for the reporting and resolution of student grievances.
- Scope
The Grievance Redressal Process applies to academic and non- academic student grievances, including student complaints of unlawful discrimination or unfair treatment. These grievance procedures are available to any student of the institute involving an alleged violation directly affecting the student, by any member of the institute acting in an official capacity or due to any rules of the institute or programme the student is enrolled.
The grievance process in general applies to complaints arising under any of the following:
Academic matters: Academic matters include those which relate to student progress, assessment and examinations, curriculum and attendance.
Non-academic matters: Non-academic matters do not include ‘Academic matters’ outlined above. These may typically relate to decisions or actions involving human rights, financial matters, procedures and policies, handling of personal information and access to records or any other matter that is not considered academic.
- Grievance Redressal Procedure:
In resolving the grievances of students concerned with any member of the institute acting in the official capacity, Rajagiri Viswajyothi Management will ensure that the grievances of both the parties are heard properly and the grievances are supported by facts and evidences.
There are three stages or levels of Student Grievance Redressal:
Level I: Informal Resolution
Before initiating the official grievance redressal procedure, the student is expected to attempt to settle or resolve the grievance directly with the person(s) involved as early as possible. Every reasonable effort should be made to resolve the matter informally at this level. A satisfactory outcome might be achieved through this discussion. If not, the student can proceed to Level II of resolution.
Students uncertain about how to proceed with the grievance can consult with the Batch Coordinator in order to identify the appropriate person. The student should contact the concerned person within 5 working days of the occurrence of the grievance.
Level II: Formal Complaint
If student grievance is not resolved satisfactorily within 10 working days of communicating the grievance to the concerned person, students may lodge a written complaint to Grievance Redressal Cell regarding the grievance. The student should attach all the relevant information they have to support the complaint and the efforts done as per Level I of the procedure, to the officer.
Principal should meet the complainant and the concerned persons as he or she deem appropriate for gathering information and to resolve the matter. He shall submit a written decision to the Students Grievance Redressal Cell.
Level III: Decision by SGRC
Based on the facts and the supporting documents submitted by the student, SGRC shall take the final decision. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the SGRC, the student can approach appellate authority headed by the University Vice Chancellor.
Anti-Ragging Committee
In accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations on the prevention and prohibition of ragging in educational institutions, the college has established an Anti-Ragging Committee. This committee, composed of faculty members, administrative staff, and student representatives, diligently carries out its responsibilities to prevent, monitor, and address instances of ragging within the campus premises and implements and enforces UGC-mandated policies and guidelines against ragging, conducts regular awareness programs, workshops, and seminars at the start of each academic year, educates students about the harmful effects of ragging and the institution’s zero-tolerance policy.
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), is a dedicated entity within the college that operates in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. Comprised of trained members, including faculty, administrative staff, and external experts, the ICC strives to create a safe, respectful, and gender-sensitive environment for all individuals associated with the institution. With a primary focus on providing a confidential and supportive platform for students to report incidents of sexual harassment, the committee conducts impartial investigations, maintains strict confidentiality, and offers fair hearings while ensuring due process for both parties. Additionally, the ICC conducts regular awareness programs, workshops, and training sessions to educate the college community about their rights and procedures for filing complaints, thereby fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment.