DRC Student Grievance Procedure

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Disability Resource Center (DRC) is committed to ensuring that no qualified student with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any CSN program, service, or activity. CSN and the DRC operate in full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA/ADAAA) of 1990.

This procedure provides a prompt and equitable framework for resolving disagreements regarding disability eligibility, requested services, academic accommodations, or auxiliary aids.

Note on Discrimination Complaints: If a student alleges discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on disability by CSN staff or faculty, the student may contact the CSN Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) directly at (702) 651-7481 or visit csn.edu/institutional-equity without completing this DRC departmental review process.

Step 1: Informal Review (Disability Specialist Consultation)

Students are strongly encouraged to maintain open communication with their assigned Senior Disability Specialist (DS). If a student is dissatisfied with an accommodation determination, delivery, or service implementation, they should first notify their DS. The DS will review relevant documentation, consult with departmental leadership or faculty as appropriate, and work to resolve the concern. If the informal review does not resolve the matter, or if the student chooses to bypass informal resolution, the student may request a formal Director Review.

Note: Although the student is encouraged to talk to the DS, they are not required to do so prior to requesting a formal review by the Director.

Step 2: Formal Director Review

Any enrolled CSN student with a disability has the right to request a formal review by the DRC Director regarding a denial of requested accommodations or disability eligibility.

  • Filing Window: The student must submit a written grievance via email to the DRC Director within 30 calendar days following the date of the decision or event of concern.
  • Grievance Contents: The written grievance must include:
    1. Student’s full name, NSHE Student ID number, email address, and phone number.
    2. The specific accommodation decision or action being challenged.
    3. A detailed statement of the facts supporting the student's position.
    4. Any new or additional supporting documentation not previously provided.
    5. The specific remedy or resolution desired.
  • Process & Timeline:
  • The Director will send a written acknowledgment of receipt within 5 business days.
  • The Director (or designee) will evaluate the grievance, review all case notes and clinical documentation, and consult with relevant college personnel or external technical experts if necessary. He or she may request additional information from the student.
  • The Director will issue a formal written Letter of Determination to the student within 30 calendar days of receiving the completed grievance.

Director Contact Information:

Dr. Daniel Alvarado | Director, DRC & CAPS

Email: Daniel.Alvarado@csn.edu | Phone: (702) 651-4045

Office: NLV Campus, Building E, Room E120C

Step 3: Appeal to the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Student Affairs

If the student disagrees with the Director’s Letter of Determination, they may submit a final institutional appeal to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

  • Filing Window: The appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving the Director’s Letter of Determination. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the DRC Director.
  • Appeal Contents: The appeal must state the specific grounds for disagreement with the Director’s determination and include all supporting evidence the student wishes considered.
  • Review & Final Determination:
    • The AVP will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days.
    • The DRC Director will transmit the student’s full case file, documentation, and prior determination records to the AVP.
    • The AVP will conduct an impartial review and issue a final written Letter of Determination within 30 calendar days.
    • The AVP’s decision constitutes CSN’s final internal administrative determination regarding the accommodation request.

Contact Information:

Dr. Flecia Thomas | Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Email: Flecia.Thomas@csn.edu | Phone: (702) 651-4384

External Grievance Procedures (U.S. Department of Education OCR)

While students are encouraged to utilize CSN’s internal procedures to resolve disability-related concerns, students have the right to file a formal civil rights complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at any time.

OCR Regional Office Contact:

Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Office

U.S. Department of Education

915 Second Avenue, Room 3310, Seattle, WA 98174-1099

Telephone: (206) 607-1600 | TDD: (206) 607-1647 | Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

Related Campus Resources