I. Policy Statement

Muhlenberg College is fully committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and to a policy of ensuring that all qualified students with disabilities have full access to programs, activities, and services and are provided opportunities and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services to ensure this access.

II. General Information Regarding the Grievance Procedure

Any Muhlenberg College student who believes that s/he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability or has been denied access or accommodations required by law, shall have the right to invoke this Grievance Procedure. The Grievance Procedure addresses the following types of concerns:

The Grievance Process is not intended to supersede other College policies and procedures which may exist for addressing alleged violations of the ADA and/or Section 504 or other issues for which separate policies and procedures exist. Students are encouraged to consult with the Director of the Office of Disability Services regarding the most appropriate College policy or procedure to address a particular concern. During the grievance process, all procedures, meetings, names, and related information will be confidential unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by all the parties involved.

The word “days” as used in this procedure means “calendar days”. For good cause, such as illness, closings, or other circumstances, the College may extend the timeframes for resolving the student’s complaint.

III. Grievance Procedures

Experience shows us that most issues can be resolved informally, therefore, prior to filing a formal grievance “complaint”, students are encouraged to resolve the matter informally by meeting with the appropriate campus administrator or designee. If the grievance is not resolved informally, then the student shall have the right to invoke the appropriate formal grievance procedure detailed below.

Regardless of the specific level of the grievance procedure elected by the student, all grievances must be filed within 30 days of the event or action giving rise to the student’s complaint(s). The Grievance must contain critical information including a clear statement of the grounds for the grievance, the individuals involved, any attempts at prior remedies, etc. To facilitate a clear and prompt resolution, once initiated a grievance cannot be expanded beyond the issues presented in the student’s initial complaint

Informal Grievance Procedure

• The student should first discuss the problem with the appropriate professional. This professional may be a faculty member, Director/coordinator of services, or a staff professional. If the student chooses to discuss the matter with a faculty member but remains dissatisfied with the resolution of the concern, the student may bring the matter before a designated coordinator who will attempt to resolve the issue. These designated Director/coordinators are:

• If the student remains dissatisfied with the Director/coordinator’s resolution; s/he may file a formal grievance in accordance with steps listed below.

 Grievance Formal Procedures

• If the student is dissatisfied with the informal resolution of a grievance or chooses to initiate a formal grievance at the outset; s/he must do so by filing the grievance in writing within sixty (60) days of the alleged incident.
• The student will present relevant information in writing to:

• The student’s formal grievance must clearly state:

• The appropriate Dean will review the information, meet with the student, interview witnesses as appropriate, and issue a written decision within thirty (30) days after receiving the student’s complaint.
• If the student’s grievance pertains to a decision made by the designated Director/Coordinator regarding ADA eligibility, the student must file a grievance in writing with the Director of Disability Services who will review the charge and the evidence presented by the complainant. After consultation with the designated Director/Coordinator, a decision will be made regarding the student’s eligibility.
                      

In the event the student is dissatisfied with a resolution made by the Director of Disability Services, the Dean of Students, or the Dean of the College for Academic Life, the student may file a written appeal to the VP of Human Resources within fourteen (14) days of the decision. The student must set forth with in what way the decision was issued in error. The Vice President of Human Resources or his/her designee will review the decision and issue a written determination within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal.

If the student is dissatisfied with a resolution made by the Dean’s Ad Hoc Committee regarding Exceptions to Academic Policies, s/he should follow the appeal procedure indicated above.

For additional information, please contact: Contact: Dr. Carol Shiner Wilson, Ph.D., Dean of the College for Academic Life, College Center, 484-664-3130.