Section 504/ADA Grievance Procedures

Section 504/ADA Grievance Procedures

Procedure:

• Grievances must be submitted to the appropriate Section 504 Coordinator within 30 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.


• A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. The grievance form is available online and also from the Equal Opportunity Office.


• The appropriate Section 504 Coordinator (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.


• The appropriate Section 504 Coordinator will maintain the files and records relating to the complaints filed.


• The appropriate Section 504 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing.


• The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the appropriate Section 504 Coordinator by writing to the President (Presidents Office, 602 Cohodas) within 15 days of receiving the Section 504 Coordinator’s decision. The President or the President’s designee shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.


• The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.


• To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation of a complaint of unlawful discrimination or harassment.  Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. Retaliation against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance is prohibited.

Northern Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act.