Policies and Procedures
Appendix E: URI Policies on Grievance and Discrimination
SECTION 21 University Grievance Procedures
These procedures for students are designed to handle complaints and grievances concerning the actions, decisions, or inaction of faculty and/or staff members. A student should initiate an attempt to resolve the problem with the individual whose action or decision is being questioned. If satisfaction is not reached at this level, the student should proceed up the normal administrative hierarchy. For example, in academic matters such as a grade complaint, the student should first speak to his or her professor. The normal hierarchy then leads to the department chairperson, dean of the college and provost. Similarly, complaints regarding administrative actions and decisions should first be addressed to the individual whose action or decision is being questioned. The normal hierarchy then leads to the appropriate dean, director, or department head, and then to the vice president or provost of the division in question. In the event of a complaint alleging discrimination, the student may choose to have his or her complaint heard under the procedures listed in Section 19 (Discrimination and Equal Opportunity).
The following offices are available to advise and inform students concerning such complaints:
- Affirmative Action, Carlotti Administration Building, 874-2442, TT only: 874-2120
- Counseling Center, Roosevelt Hall, 874-2288
- Student Life, Memorial Union, 874-2101, Voice/TT 874-2098
- In addition to consulting with these individuals, a student may ask the Ombud (874-2863) to review a complaint or grievance for the purpose of attempting an informal resolution. In most cases the Ombud or student assistant to the Ombud will not become actively involved until the student has personally exhausted the normal grievance procedures.
In situations where a formal appeal mechanism already exists, the University Grievance Procedure may be used only after the specific appeal procedures are exhausted.
SECTION 19 Policy on Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Rhode Island prohibits discrimination on the basis or race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, and discrimination against disabled and Vietnam era veterans in the recruitment, admission, access to, or treatment of students, the recruitment, firing, or treatment of faculty and staff, and the operation of its activities and programs, as specified by state and federal laws including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title IX of 1972 Educational Amendments to the Higher Education Act, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Sections 503/504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Affirmative Action Office (874-2442, TT only: 874-2120) handles all complaints on discrimination.
The person designated to coordinate the University's efforts to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as they pertain to students and staff is the Assistant Director of Student Life for Disability Services. The office telephone number is 874-2098 Voice/TT. If you believe you have been discriminated against as an employee or student on the grounds of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation, you may lodge a complaint by following the steps specified below:
19.1 As an employee, discuss the complaint with your immediate supervisor. As a student, discuss the complaint with the supervisor in charge of the department or office where the alleged discrimination occurred. As a student with a complaint against another student, discuss the complaint with the Office of Student Life.
19.2 If you are not satisfied with the results of this discussion, consult with the Affirmative Action Officer or her designee, who shall make a preliminary investigation and attempt to resolve the complaint through informal means. The Affirmative Action Officer may also refer the complainant to the appropriate body for further action.
19.3 Prospective employees and students who believe they have been discriminated against may register their complaints directly with the Affirmative Action Officer, who will make a thorough review of the facts in the case and report these along with recommendations, to the appropriate officer or supervisor. Where necessary, the Affirmative Action Officer will bring her report to the attention of the President.
