Student Grievance Procedure
(available in PDF format: Grievance Procedure)
If you believe that any university personnel has discriminated against you because of a disability, you have the right to seek a review of such concerns. You have the option of pursuing either an informal complaint or a formal grievance. If you opt to pursue an informal complaint, you may later pursue a formal grievance if not satisfied with the resolution of the informal process.
Informal Procedure
Although not required, it is recommended that you speak about the concerns first with Katherine Fahey, the Director of Student Disability Services, or with your college disability liaison to achieve a satisfactory resolution. If you are uncertain about whether to come forward with an informal complaint, or whether to file a formal grievance, you may consult with the Director of Student Disability Services or Helene Selco, the Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching.
Formal Procedure
If you wish to file a formal grievance, you may do so by writing a letter to the Director of Student Disability Services or, if the grievance concerns the office of Student Disability Services, to the Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching. Any complaint must be filed within 60 days after the student becomes aware of the alleged violation.
All grievances shall be investigated and then reviewed by the Director of Student Disability Services, the Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching, and the Assistant Vice President for Student and Academic Services, or by an individual designated by the Assistant Vice President for Student and Academic Services.
The purpose of the review is to determine whether University policy has been followed and, if not, to address the consequences that may have resulted and may need to be corrected. Information relevant to the matter may be requested from the involved parties. All reasonable efforts will be made to provide a written response to the student within 30 days. A student who makes use of the grievance procedure shall not be retaliated against for doing so. A student may request another student or faculty or staff person to accompany him or her through the steps of the procedure.
After the review, a student who believes that a grievance has not been resolved to his or her satisfaction may appeal the outcome within 30 days to the Vice President of Student and Academic Services or a designee.
Such appeal shall be in writing and signed by the student. The Vice President of Student and Academic Services or the designee will make a determination on the appeal and promptly inform the student, in writing, of that decision. This is the final institutional level of appeal.