Black River Technical College encourages students to communicate with College administration, faculty, and staff regarding College operations and procedures and encourages students to use existing policies, personnel, and departmental offices to express specific concerns.
Wherever possible, complaints at Black River Technical College are handled in an informal manner. Administrators, faculty, and staff maintain an “open-door” policy to discuss issues of concern for all students. Faculty and staff serve as a resource for individuals seeking assistance in resolving matters within the College community.
Complaint Process
- Students are encouraged to first attempt to resolve complaints with the faculty or staff person.
- If unresolved, students should next speak to the departmental chairperson or supervisor of the faculty or staff member in an effort to resolve the matter.
- Should a student deem that the existing policies, personnel, and departmental offices cannot address his/her specific concern or complaint, Black River Technical College, in accordance with federal regulations, accepts and maintains records of formal written grievance filed with the Human Resources department.
- Students are encouraged to submit formal complaints via the online Report An Incident form.
- If you wish to avoid utilizing the formal complaint submission forms, you may alternatively email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with detailed information regarding your grievance. Your complaint will be evaluated and sent to the appropriate BRTC officials for a prompt resolution. - Online students from other states can appeal to ADHE at https://adhe.edu/institutions/adhe-grievance-form
Types of Complaints
Student complaints fall into one of two categories:
- informal expressions of dissatisfaction, and
- written complaints which include any concern, issue, or suggestion not covered by the policies as outlined in the course catalog or by state and federal law. Written complaints should be submitted via the Report An Incident form.
Academic Misconduct Complaint
Students wishing to file a complaint for other reasons should fill out the Academic Misconduct Complaint Submission Form.
Instructor and Staff Complaints
Students wishing to file a complaint on a faculty or staff member should fill out the Report An Incident form.
Out-of-state students may file a complaint by calling the toll free number or can appeal to the Arkansas Division of Higher Education by completing ADHE's Grievance Form.
Non-Academic Misconduct Complaint
Students wishing to file a complaint for other reasons should fill out the Non-Academic Misconduct Complaint Submission Form.
Sexual Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaint Submission Form
Students wishing to file a sexual discrimination and/or harassment complaint should fill out the Sexual Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaint Submission Form.
Title VI Complaint
How to File a Title VI Complaint
If you believe that you, or a group of people, were treated unfairly because of race, color, or national origin, you have the right to file a Title VI discrimination complaint.
This process is required because BRTC has federal nondiscrimination obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Important Notes
- The complaint must specifically involve race, color, or national origin.
- It must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
- Black River Technical College does not investigate the complaint itself.
Once we receive the complaint, we are required to forward it to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), which then forwards it to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for review. - The final determination is made at the state or federal level, not locally.
Where to Send the Complaint
Black River Technical College
Attn: Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs / Title VI Coordinator
1410 Highway 304 East
P.O. Box 468
Pocahontas, AR 72455
(870) 248-4000
