Problem/Appeal/Grievance Procedure
For Students Having A Disability Issue
Introduction:
The following procedures are formal methods that a UWRF student should use to seek resolution of a disability issue via on campus channels. Examples of such issues are:
Student is unsatisfied with an accommodation and wants it improved
Student wants to appeal denial of an accommodation
Student feels she or he has been treated in a discriminatory manner
These procedures may be used for virtually any disability situation a student finds unacceptable, including matters regarding the Disability Services Office or its staff, any other UWRF office, department, or staff, a professor, or any person who seems to represent the institution. To prevent appearance that the student decided to tolerate the disability issue for considerable time, he or she should activate and follow through with appeal procedures as soon as possible. The objective of these procedures is to develop rapid resolution of the matter through increasing levels of attention to the issue. Two types of outcomes are possible: 1.) A quick solution that’s agreeable to both the student and other important parties who represent UWRF; or, if necessary, 2.) A final decision on the issue from representatives of the highest UWRF administration. The student’s appeal must give appropriate consideration to how the disability limits the student’s functioning in relation to the issue, and the need for equal access and opportunity in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Procedures:
I. Reporting a Problem.
The student contacts the person who seems responsible for the unwanted situation and expresses dissatisfaction. If not content with that person’s reaction the student should ask about any “internal appeal process” there might be for unwanted situations in the office or department where the person works. When an internal appeal process exists the student should quickly start such an appeal (it could be a generic appeal process or apply specifically to disability issues).
If an internal appeal process does not exist, or completion of an internal appeal does not result in satisfaction, the student should fill out a Problem Report Form. The form is available at the Academic Success Center, the Disability Services Office,or click on Issue Report Form.
The student should keep a copy of the completed form and submit the original to one of the offices indicated at the bottom of that form. Upon receiving such a form the office will attempt to facilitate circumstances that are agreeable to all parties. The student must be available to sufficiently communicate with an appropriate staff from that office if needed.
II. Filing an Appeal
If after reporting a problem (as indicated above) a student is not satisfied with the outcome, she or he should immediately start an appeal through the university’s ADA Coordinator. To do that the student should present a copy of the completed Problem Report Form to the university’s ADA Coordinator, along with a written statement about the current situation related to the issue.
The ADA Coordinator will initiate a formal review of the situation and may incorporate the university’s Disability Advisory Committee into that endeavor. The student must be sufficiently available if someone who represents the appeal process needs to communicate with the student.
III. Filing a Grievance
If a student has completed an appeal but is still not satisfied, the student should contact the university’s Office of Equity and Compliance. The student should submit a copy of the Problem Report Form, a written statement about the current situation related to the issue, and must be sufficiently available to communicate with that office if necessary. The Office of Equity and Compliance will conduct an assessment of the issue, incorporating the involvement of other participants as appropriate, and then make a determination that represents the institution’s final decision on the matter.
