Chapter Five
Staff Organization and Personnel Policies
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Article 5.8 Staff Grievances and Appeals
Sec. 5.8.1 Filing of Grievance
After first attempting to resolve the problem through informal discussion with the first level supervisor, any staff member directly affected by any condition believed to be unfair or a hindrance to effective performance, may initiate and pursue the grievance or appeal process as provided in the applicable personnel policy document. A claim of discrimination or a bias incident, as defined by applicable law, shall be governed by the University’s Reports of Bias, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy.
Sec. 5.8.2 Staff Grievance Officer
There shall be a Staff Grievance Officer appointed by the President from a list of three or more individuals nominated by the Staff Senate. The Staff Grievance Officer shall be available to consult with staff members in each step of the grievance or appeal process, including initial formulation of the grievance or appeal statement. At no time shall the Staff Grievance Officer become an advocate for or representative of the aggrieved staff member, but rather the Staff Grievance Officer's primary responsibility shall be to seek equitable resolution of the grievance. The Plans and Policies Committee of the Staff Senate shall meet with the President to establish and review the duties and functions, the term and structure of office, and the budgetary arrangements necessary for the effective functioning of the Staff Grievance Officer.
Sect. 5.8.3 Staff Senate Grievance Review Committee
The Staff Senate shall have a Grievance Review Committee whose sole responsibility shall be, whenever requested by the employee, to summarize a staff grievance prior to submission of the grievance to a vice president. In preparing its summary, the Grievance Review Committee shall familiarize itself with the facts surrounding the grievance, shall review all prior proceedings involving the grievance, shall consult with all necessary parties, and shall as a part of its summary submit recommended dispositions and the reasons therefor to the appropriate vice president. The Staff Grievance Officer shall not be a member of the Grievance Review Committee.