Grievance Procedure |
|||||
All alleged incidents involving disability discrimination are to be dealt with immediately. When a Marywood University student believes s/he has been the victim of disability discrimination or witnessed disability discrimination, the following procedures should be used: 1. Within thirty working days after the alleged incident occurs the complainant should present the complaint to the Vice President for Student Life. (If the alleged incident concerns a faculty member, the complaint should be initiated with the appropriate Dean; if it concerns other employees, with the appropriate Vice President or Affirmative Action Officer) 2. The initial discussion between the complainant and the University administrator should be kept confidential. The Vice President for Student Life must inform the Coordinator of Disability Services immediately. In cases involving faculty or staff, the Affirmative Action Officer must also be informed. 3. If the complainant, after an initial meeting with the appropriate University administrator, decides to proceed, the complainant submits within ten working days a written statement to the appropriate University administrator. This letter should include factual information concerning the incident (s), and a statement of what the victim feels will correct the situation. Cases involving alleged disability discrimination are particularly sensitive and demand special attention to issues of confidentiality. Dissemination of information relating to the case is to be limited, so as to insure, as fully as possible, the privacy of the individuals involved. 4. The University administrator should inform the alleged offender of the allegation and of the identity of the complainant. The alleged offender should be informed of the need for confidentiality. Any individual who retaliates against the complainant will be subject to discipline up to and including discharge. The University administrator should present a summary of the complaint and the proceedings to date to both the complainant and the alleged offender within ten working days. Every effort will be made to protect the complainant from retaliatory action by those named in the complaint as well as from all others. 5. After a complaint is submitted in writing, the University administrator should, within ten working days, initiate whatever steps s/he deems appropriate to effect an informal resolution of the complaint acceptable to both parties. 6. Either party, if unsatisfied with the resolution proposed by the University administrator, should have access to the University Judicial Board, including the right to appeal. Complainants may present relevant evidence and witnesses. The Board will render its decision within forty-five days. Recommendations will be forwarded to the President through the Vice President for Student Life. The President's decision will be rendered within thirty days and is final and binding on all parties. 7. The complainant is formally notified of the final decision, including punishment or sanctions. | |||||
Comments to the Student Support Services Pagemaster: dtaylor@marywood.edu | |||||