Student Grievance Officer

The University of Louisville Student Grievance Officer is a tenured faculty member who is responsible for informing students of their rights and obligations under the University Student Grievance procedure and especially the deadlines that have been established.

The Grievance Officer will assist the student in efforts to achieve informal resolution in as many academic or non-academic complaints possible.

One of the main goals of the Student Grievance Officer is to establish an understanding among students, faculty, staff and administration when there is conflict.

Problems pertaining to grades, financial aid, University parking, housing, food services, registration, etc., may all be discussed with the Student Grievance Officer as a means of seeking direction for the pursuit of a resolution. Any aspect of the University that creates a problem for students is a matter of concern for the Student Grievance Officer.

This service is available to all students. Voice mail is available (852-0440) but e-mail (bghart01@gwise.louisville.edu) is the preferred method of contact.

Privacy of Student Records

The University of Louisville hereby notifies students concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). This Act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading information. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Education, concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.

The University has adopted a policy which explains in detail the procedures to be used by the University for compliance with the provisions of the Act and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Copies of the policy can be obtained from the University Archives and Records Center, Ekstrom Library. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Director, University Archives and Records Center or visit the Website at: library.louisville.edu/uarc/stupriv.htm.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989

On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed into law the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. These Amendments require that higher education institutions receiving any federal funding must notify each student and employee annually of its program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

We at the University of Louisville have begun programs in the past few years to combat the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other chemical substances. We realize; however, that only through a concerted effort by all, can we make any major strides in preventing substance abuse. The following is the University of Louisville's Drug-Free Schools Notice:

Drug-Free Schools Notice

As required by the Federal Drug- Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, you are hereby notified by the University of Louisville that on University premises or at University-sponsored activities the following acts are prohibited:

1. distribution, possession, or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance without legal authorization;
2. providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 years of age, or possession of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21 years of age; or
3. illegal possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, public intoxication, driving while intoxicated, and drinking alcoholic beverages in an unlicensed public place.

In addition to imposition of disciplinary sanctions under University procedures including suspension or separation from the University for such acts, students or employees may face prosecution and imprisonment under Federal and Kentucky laws which make such acts felony and misdemeanor crimes.

The Code of Student Conduct lists details of offenses and disciplines for students. Staff may be disciplined under Section 11.1 of the Staff Handbook. Faculty may be disciplined by Deans per Redbook Sections 4.5.3 or 3.2.2 with review per 4.4 for sanctions less than dismissal or suspension for one year.

The health risks associated with the misuse and abuse of mind-altering drugs, including controlled substances and alcohol, include but are not limited to: physical and psychological dependence; damage to the brain, pancreas, kidneys and lungs; high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes; ulcers; birth defects; a diminished immune system; and, death.

The Counseling Center and Student Health Services provide assessment and referral services to University students, as well as serving as an alcohol and other drug information/education resource. For further information, call 852-6585. Service for faculty and staff are available through the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program. For further information call 852- 6543.

Americans with Disabilities Act

ADA Policy Statement University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is committed to providing equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504). The University's 504/ADA Coordinator is responsible for all campus activities relevant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The University Affirmative Action Officer will monitor compliance and assist all unit heads in meeting their equal opportunity obligations. The University Disability Resource Center staff will assist the university community in fulfilling its responsibility by serving as an information resource center and coordinating support services for students with disabilities.

ADA and 504 Grievance Procedures University of Louisville

The following grievance procedure is being recommended to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints concerning ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The University of Louisville ADA Grievance Procedure is an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II states, in part, that "no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination" in programs or activities sponsored by an agency.

General information regarding ADA or 504 can be addressed to:

Director
Disability Resource Center
Robbins Hall Room 101
Phone: 502-852-6938

Complaints should be addressed to the person who has been designated to coordinate ADA compliance efforts:

Director
Affirmative Action Office
Personnel Services Building
Phone: 502-852-6538

1. A complaint should be filed in writing, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation. Upon receipt of the written notice of complaint, the Director of Affirmative Action/Employee Relations or his/her designee shall acknowledge receipt within five workdays.
2. A complaint should be filed within 180 days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall follow a filing of complaint. The investigation shall be conducted by the Affirmative Action Office. This internal Complaint procedure contemplates an informal but thorough investigation, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
4. A written determination regarding the investigation of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the Affir-
5. mative Action Office and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than 60 days after its filing.
6. The Affirmative Action Office shall maintain the files and records relating to the complaints filed.
7. The complainants may request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made within 15 work days after receipt of the determination to the Affirmative Action Office.
8. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
9. These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that the University complies with the ADA and implementing regulations.