grievances related to internal matters within the University, grievances may involve violation of law. In such cases, the University may proceed with disciplinary actions and impose University sanctions independently of any legal proceedings and legal sanctions regarding violations of law.

Procedure

Stage I

  • The aggrieved person shall state the complaint in writing (including the remedy expected to resolve the grievance) to the first-level administrator (of the person against whom the grievance is lodged) within sixty (60) days of the behavior or action aggrieved. If the grievance is with the first-level administrator, the process begins at the next higher level of administration. If the grievance is with a high level administrator, the grievance procedure begins with the person or group to whom that administrator reports.
  • In the event the aggrieved person states the complaint after the sixty (60) day time limit has expired, the first-level administrator shall notify the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall determine whether such extenuating circumstances exist as to warrant receipt of the complaint beyond the normal time limit. The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs shall notify the first-level administrator of the decision which shall be final.
  • The first-level administrator shall notify in writing, the party or parties against whom the complaint is lodged, (including a copy of the written complaint) within three (3) working days.
  • The complaint shall be reported by the first-level administrator to the Dean and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  • Every effort shall be made by the first-level administrator to deal with the complaint on its merits without undue delay. However, the supervisor shall be allowed up to five (5) working days (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded) to resolve the matter satisfactorily. The decision of the first-level administrator (supervisor) shall be termed an answer.
  • The supervisor's answer shall be in writing.
  • A copy of the answer shall be forwarded to the Dean, to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, and to all concerned parties.

Stage II

  • a. If the aggrieved person or any of the other parties to the dispute are not satisfied with the answer of the first-level administrator, or if the answer is not received from the supervisor within the time allowance stated in Stage I, the aggrieved person or other party may appeal to the Dean. If the Dean is the first-level administrator, the appeal process shall continue with Stage III.

2-65