Members of faculty have the right to seek assistance from the President of the Faculty Senate in resolving egregious circumstances. Such circumstances must include acts that violate their rights as a faculty member. Following the official filing of a grievance by a faculty member, processing of the grievance will progress according to a formalized standard protocol.
Grievances are formal, written complaints alleging that the rights of a faculty member have been violated. Grievances filed by faculty are to be viewed seriously and with reverence by the Administration. In addition, those against whom grievances have been filed are inherently deserving of prompt yet just processing of the complaints.
Procedures:
1. Written, signed grievances must be addressed to the President of the Faculty Senate and filed with the administration of the University.
2. The Faculty Senate will review the grievance to determine whether action is warranted. Such action may include the facilitation of informal conciliatory discussions among the parties in conflict.
3. The Faculty Senate may appoint an Ad hoc Grievance Coordinator and a Grievance Investigator. The Grievance Coordinator may establish an Ad hoc Grievance Committee over which he/she will preside. The Grievance Coordinator may authorize the Grievance Investigator to conduct interviews with and solicit written statements from all parties who may bear knowledge relevant to the grievance and its investigation.
4. With completion of the investigation, the Grievance Investigator will file a Grievance Report with the Grievance Coordinator. The report will summarize relevant facts and may contain recommendations related to official action.
5. Based on the report of the Grievance Investigator, the Grievance Coordinator may invoke or otherwise recommend disciplinary measures to senior University Administration.
6. The decisions of the University Administration are final.