Grievances

The University is committed to providing employees with a way to voice complaints and seek solutions to work-related conflicts arising out of working conditions, employment practices, or policy interpretations. While the Staff Grievance Procedure has been developed to address this need, resolution may be sought informally through the Employee Relations Office, which can provide assistance in determining viable solutions to resolve any conflict before the formal filing of a grievance.

What is not covered under the Staff Grievance Procedure?

Excluded from the Procedure are complaints concerning:

Wages and salaries
Performance-related dismissals during the employee's initial probationary period
University statements concerning policies and rules
Falsification of employment application documents
Alleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or status as a veteran; sexual harassment; or racial/ethnic harassment. Alleged discrimination complaints are covered by a separate procedure administered by the University's Office of Equal Opportunity.

Who can file a grievance?

The staff grievance procedure is available to full-time, part-time, regular, temporary, or student staff employees of the university. Faculty appointments are covered by a separate policy which can be found in the Faculty Handbook. Also excluded from this grievance procedure are academic appointments, including but not limited to, graduate assistants, teaching assistants, residents, and research fellows.

How do I file a grievance?

To begin the process of filing a grievance:

review the grievance policy,
download and complete the grievance forms,
contact your Employee Relations Office.

What should I expect after filing my grievance?

After filing a grievance, a series of communications will occur between Employee Relations and the parties involved. A grievant may elect to proceed directly to mediation or to commence the process that culminates in a hearing of the issues.

Several portions of the grievance procedure are time sensitive so it is important that you remain in contact with the Employee Relations Office throughout the process and that you familiarize yourself with the grievance policy.

What is workplace conflict?

How can I resolve this conflict?

Communication in the Workplace