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Grievance Procedures
Oglethorpe University has adopted an internal grievance
procedure providing for the prompt and equitable resolution of
complaints alleging any action prohibited by regulations under Title
VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act,
and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The following University
officials have been designated to respond to allegations regarding
violation of any of these regulations: the Vice President for
Campus Life, the Provost, the Director of Human Resources, or Director of the Counseling Center.
Complaints alleging misconduct as defined in this policy on
discriminatory and sexual harassment should be reported within 90
days of the alleged offense. Complainants may seek informal or
formal resolution. All complainants must complete a written
Discriminatory Harassment Incident Report which may be obtained from
any of the aforementioned officials.
Complainants are encouraged to explore informal resolution
before filing a formal complaint. Informal resolution focuses on
communication, education, and resolution while formal procedures
focus on investigation and discipline. Informal complaints will be
resolved within 15 working days with a written resolution given to
each of the parties involved. If the situation results in an
impasse, the complainant will be given a notice of impasse within 15
working days from the filing of the incident. If a notice of impasse
is given and the complainant wishes to file a formal written
complaint, the complainant must do so within 30 working days of the
date of notice of impasse unless a waiver in filing time is
requested.
When a formal complaint is filed an investigation will be
initiated. The alleged harasser will be given 10 days to provide a
signed response to the requesting official. A copy will be provided
to the complainant. If the alleged harasser fails to respond, the
presumption will be made that the allegation(s) in the complaint are
true. A written determination will be issued to the complainant
within 60 working days of the receipt of the formal written
complaint. If the procedure requires an extension of time, the
complainant will be informed in writing of the reasons, the status
of the investigation, and the probable date of completion.
If the complainant disputes the findings or is dissatisfied
with the recommendations, the complainant may request
reconsideration of the case to the president, Larry Schall, in
writing within 45 working days of receipt of the written
determination. Complainants also have the right to file with the
appropriate state or federal authorities under Title VI, Title VII,
Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
Cases that may require disciplinary action will be handled
according to the established discipline procedures of the
University. Student organizations in violation of this policy may be
subject to the loss of University recognition. Complainants shall be
protected from unfair retribution.
Nothing in this policy statement is intended to infringe on the
individual rights, freedom of speech, or academic freedom provided
to members of the Oglethorpe community. The scholarly, educational,
or artistic content of any written or oral presentation or inquiry
shall not be limited by this policy. Accordingly, this provision
will be liberally construed but should not be used as a pretext for
violation of the policy.
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