Grievance and Appeal Processes

A22B

The purpose of this procedure is to assure fairness and consistency in faculty employee relations and to resolve misunderstandings as quickly as possible. No employee will be discriminated against because he/she uses this procedure.

A28J

For purposes of this procedure, employees are full time and part-time faculty. Staff with faculty rank and administrative staff with faculty rank may choose either the faculty or staff procedure.

A33E

• Disciplinary actions, including written warnings placed in the employee's file, suspensions, and dismissal, where the employee questions the appropriateness of the stated actions except hearings conducted by Academic Council under Faculty Bylaws I-5, Article VI.
• Alleged violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of the University policy affecting the employee
• Alleged violation of the professional boundaries policy. (Note: Students who wish to issue a complaint of the professional boundaries policy against a faculty or staff member should use the process identified in the Student Handbook for addressing such violations.)

• Issues heard by Academic Council under Faculty Bylaws (I-5, Article VI, Section 3)
• Issues heard by the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board and the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board.
• Determinations of responsibility for discrimination and harassment based on membership in protected categories in Elon’s non-discrimination statement and any sanctions resulting from such determinations
• Termination related to: reduction in force or expiration of grants, failure to receive tenure, failure to receive a continuing contract, and expiration of employment contracts
• The content of published personnel policies and procedure

A29M

• Discussion with the grievant's Department Chair/supervisor should normally take place first in an attempt to resolve the matter. In some cases, input from an administrative unit (for example, Dean, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs) may be appropriate and helpful. The grievant and/or Department Chair/supervisor may wish to contact such a person.
• If the Department Chair/supervisor is involved in the matter or has a conflict of interest related to the matter, a second person, selected by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will assist in attempting to resolve the matter.
• Efforts to resolve the matter at this step will be expeditious.

1. If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at step one, the grievant will, within 30 calendar days after the event giving rise to the grievance, submit a written statement of grievance to his/her/their Department Chair/supervisor or the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs's substitute.
2. Upon receipt of the grievance at this stage, the Department Chair/supervisor or substitute will notify the Executive Director of Human Resources, who may contact the University legal counsel in order to help assure that the grievance procedure is followed carefully.
3. The Department Chair/supervisor or substitute will investigate and attempt to resolve the grievance. This investigation may include a meeting between the Department Chair/supervisor or substitute, appropriate Dean, the grievant, and any other appropriate personnel.
4. A written response will be given to the grievant within 14 calendar days after receipt of the written grievance by the Department Chair/supervisor or substitute unless the grievant agrees to an extension of this time period.

If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at step two, or if no decision has been rendered within 14 calendar days of the Department Chair’s/supervisor's or substitute's receipt of the grievance at step two, the grievant may request the Dean of the Department Chair’s/supervisor's college/school or division to begin processing the grievance at step three.

Appeals are not re-investigations. The decision will be based on the written appeal and the Investigative Report from Step Two. However, if substantial new facts are discovered, then the Dean may wish to investigate the recently learned information.

A written response will be given to the grievant within 14 calendar days after receipt of the written grievance by the Dean unless the grievant agrees to an extension of this time period.

1. If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at step three, or if no decision has been rendered within 14 calendar days of the Dean’s receipt of the grievance, the grievant may request that the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs begin processing the grievance at step four.
2. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, with the support of the Executive Director of Human Resources, will arrange for a hearing to be conducted by a three-member committee of full-time teaching faculty, administrator(s) with faculty rank, and/or staff with faculty rank including:

• One member selected by the grievant
• One member selected by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
• One current member of Academic Council selected by both the grievant and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

If the first two members are unable to agree on the selection of a third member, they will alternately eliminate names from Academic Council until they reach the last name, at which time that person will become the third committee member. First elimination is to be determined by the toss of a coin.

3. The committee selected above will select a Chair from among its members by majority vote. If no member receives a majority, the member chosen from Academic Council will be Chair. The Chair, with support provided from the Director of Human Resources, will be responsible for determining how the facts relative to the grievance will be investigated. The Chair will also determine whether a formal hearing is required. If such a hearing is held, the grievant may be accompanied at the hearing by a University employee of his or her choosing. Only University employees may accompany a grievant in a grievance hearing. Reasonable provision will be made for other employees to appear as witnesses.
4. The investigation by the three-member committee should normally be completed within one month of its formation. Within 21 calendar days of the completion of the investigation, the recommendation of a majority of the committee, along with their findings of fact, will be submitted to the President.
5. The President, after reviewing the findings and recommendations and any other evidence considered relevant, will make a final decision which will then be communicated to the grievant.

A26M

Information below in italics is repeated from the Elon University Faculty Bylaws (Article VI).

“Elected members of Academic Council will serve as a hearing committee, when a hearing is to be held, in cases involving 1) the dismissal or suspension of a faculty member or 2) charges of unprofessional conduct against a faculty member with the exception of complaints of harassment or discrimination based on membership in protected categories in Elon’s nondiscrimination statement. Any dismissal, suspension, or disciplinary action as a result of a finding of a violation of the University’s nondiscrimination/ nonharassment policies may, upon request by the accused faculty member, be heard by Academic Council.”

Academic Council has adopted the following procedures for use when it sits as a hearing body for any employee with faculty rank:

• The person requesting the hearing (the grievant) may present the grievance and/or he/she may be represented by any other faculty member he/she selects.
• Any other person who considers himself/herself to be directly affected by the hearing may apply to Academic Council to be made a party. Those granted such status by Academic Council will have the same rights to representation and presentation of evidence as the grievant. The administration, or people complained against, will be parties to the hearing.
• Parties to the hearing will be afforded opportunity to present written or oral evidence and may call witnesses to present evidence.
• During the course of presentation of evidence, members of the hearing body may interject questions as considered necessary.
• All sessions will be open only to parties to the hearing, their representatives, and to witnesses while they are testifying.
• After all testimony has been heard, Academic Council will meet in executive session to formulate its recommendations.
• In reaching its decision, Academic Council will consider only documents, materials and testimony presented in the hearing.
• Recommendations of Academic Council as to disposition of the case will be made to the President of the University with a copy of same to each party.
• During and after the hearing, members of Academic Council will make no comment regarding the case beyond those made in meetings of the Council.

A27D

Faculty who are found to be in violation of the Professional Boundaries Policy and who wish to contest the finding should follow the faculty’s general grievance policy.

A34F

The University seeks to provide an educational community and workplace free of prohibited discrimination and harassment. To that end, it has adopted the following nondiscrimination statement: “Elon University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status (collectively, “protected categories”) in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs.” Consistent with our nondiscrimination statement, the University does not tolerate the discrimination or harassment of any student, University employee or other individuals associated with the University including, but not limited to, vendors, contractors, and guests on the basis of membership in any of these protected categories.

A24A

Discrimination. Prohibited discrimination occurs when an individual suffers an adverse employment, academic, or other decision based on protected categories.

Harassment is defined as conduct (including verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct) that denigrates or shows hostility against an individual based on his or her membership in one or more protected categories when such conduct has the purpose or effect of:

• unreasonably interfering with his or her work or academic performance, or
• creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive working, living or learning environment.

Sexual harassment is a particular type of harassment and is a form of prohibited sex discrimination. Sexual harassment includes sexual violence. Sexual harassment generally may be described to include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical and expressive behavior of a sexual nature when:

• submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of or a condition of education, employment, or participating in University activities;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is or could be used as the basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions affecting that individual; or
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, living, or learning environment.

Examples of sexual harassment vary with the circumstances. Examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to, slurs, threats, derogatory or suggestive comments, unwelcome jokes, and displays of sexually-oriented literature or pictures, unwelcome teasing or sexual advances, and other similar verbal or physical conduct, including phone calls, e-mail, or other online communications. Sexual violence includes acts such as rape, acquaintance rape, and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity.

A23M

Any member of the University may file a complaint of discrimination or harassment. The University has a duty to investigate all alleged incidents of prohibited harassment or discrimination in violation of its policy and reserves the right to act as complainant if the University becomes aware of alleged violations of this policy. Because some actions reported under this policy may also involve potential criminal conduct (sexual violence is considered sexual harassment under Title IX , the University, consistent with applicable law, will determine whether appropriate law enforcement or other authorities ought to be notified. The University will follow its processes for the investigation and redressing of such allegations even when law enforcement authorities are involved. Regardless of pending criminal investigation, the University is obligated to investigate claims and take corrective action to ensure a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination or harassment. All members of the Elon community are expected to cooperate in the resolution or investigation of complaints of harassment and discrimination.

A34R

A complaint of discrimination or harassment should be submitted pursuant to this policy as soon after the offending conduct as possible in order to allow for an effective investigation, appropriate resolution to the complaint, and prevention of recurrence. Complaints received more than one year after the occurrence may be difficult to investigate due to such factors as passage of time, availability of witnesses and relevant information, and opportunity to take remedial action (such as when the student or employee are no longer at the University).

A35E

All people involved in the grievance process related to claims of discrimination or harassment are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding information related to the claims to the extent that such confidentiality does not contradict or undermine the University’s responsibility to respond effectively to the complaint or to comply with the law. An individual’s requests regarding the confidentiality of reports of discrimination or harassment will be considered in determining an appropriate response; however, such requests will be considered in the dual contexts of the University’s legal obligation to ensure a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination or harassment and the due process rights of the accused to be informed of the allegations and their source. Some level of disclosure may be necessary to ensure a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation.

A32U

The University does not allow the filing of false, frivolous, or malicious complaints under this policy. Those bringing such complaints are subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.

A28T

The University provides educational and training programs and victim resources  to prevent harassment and discrimination. The University may, after becoming aware of an alleged violation of this policy, take appropriate action to ensure safety and non-retaliation. Such interim actions may include placing the accused on administrative leave, reassignment, or authorizing other types of temporary measures while an investigation is pending, including but not limited to “no contact” instructions.

Should it be determined that a violation of the University policy on discrimination or harassment has occurred, appropriate action will be taken and will reflect the severity of the incident and any past discrimination or harassment offenses. Possible actions will include, but are not limited to, written warning placed in the personnel file, reassignment of duties, suspension without pay, demotion, removal from a portion of assigned duties, appropriate professional training, and dismissal. The resolution of all claims, whether via the informal or formal procedures outlined below, must fulfill the University’s responsibilities to 1) prevent future discrimination and harassment, 2) prevent the creation of a hostile environment, and 3) ameliorate any negative effects of the discrimination or harassment in question. Determinations of responsibility or non-responsibility for harassment or discrimination will be made using the preponderance of evidence standard. Claims of sexual harassment and discrimination will be handled in accordance with Title IX, and claims of discrimination regarding disability, including failure to provide appropriate accommodations approved through published procedures, will be handled in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Acts. For additional information refer to Title IX policies and procedures and disabilities services policies and procedures .

A33Q

The University prohibits retaliation against a member of the Elon community because he or she (a) made a complaint of discrimination or harassment in good faith, (b) assisted someone with a complaint of discrimination or harassment, or (c) participated in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Examples of such prohibited retaliation include such actions as threats, intimidation, reprisals, adverse employment actions, or adverse educational actions due to participation under this policy. Retaliation is a violation of this policy and should be reported under this policy. The University will take corrective action, including disciplinary action up to termination for retaliation prohibited by this policy.

A35Q

Any member of the University community who believes that he or she has been the victim of discrimination or harassment, particularly sexual harassment, is encouraged to seek information and support from members of the institution who can legally provide confidentiality due to their training and position, such as members of the Counseling Center, medical providers, clergy on the religious and spiritual life staff, or the coordinator for student development – violence prevention. Because of the confidentiality afforded these resources, those who believe they are victims of violations of this policy should be aware these resource people cannot report the alleged harassment or discrimination to the University. To ensure a report to the University, members of the University community should follow the procedures listed below.

A25S

This procedure applies for any complaints of violations of this University policy against discrimination or harassment made against a University employee (including claims made by students). Claims of discrimination or harassment made against students will be addressed through the judicial process as identified in the Student Handbook.

While the University encourages informal resolution of complaints when possible, the grievant is not required to attempt the informal procedure prior to instigating the formal procedure. Moreover, the grievant retains the right to halt the informal procedure in favor of the formal process at any point in the process.

A member of the University community who wishes to make an official report of discrimination or harassment regarding a University employee may report the incident to any of the following people, who will refer the complaint to the Assistant Director of Human Resources for Employee Relations (ADHRER) for follow-up: the ADHRER, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer(s), or Title IX Officer(s). Upon receipt of the complaint, the ADHRER will contact the grievant to determine which of the two processes below he or she wishes to initiate. In the event that the ADHRER is involved in the complaint, the Director of Human Resources will appoint a University official to carry out the duties of the ADHRER, as described below. Complaints of alleged policy violations by members of the President’s Senior Staff may follow the above stated channels, but may also be made to the President. Complaints of alleged policy violations by the President will be shared with the Chair of the University Board of Trustees.

If the complaint involves alleged criminal activity, for example sexual misconduct of a criminal nature, the matter may be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Such complaints can be handled under this policy, through the criminal process alternatively, or under both processes.

The timelines for implementing the grievance procedures below are intended to allow for an expeditious and complete resolution of complaints. The University will make every reasonable effort to achieve resolution of complaints within these or shorter timeframes. However, during times when classes are not in session or at the end of an academic term, or depending on the ability of the University to conduct an effective investigation, timelines may be adjusted. The estimated timeframe for resolution of a complaint via the informal procedure is 30 calendar days from the report of an incident. The estimated timeframe for resolution of a complaint via the formal procedure is 90 calendar days or less from the time the ADHRER receives a written request to initiate the formal procedure. The estimated timeline for notification of the results of an appeal is 21 calendar days from the date the request for appeal is received by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. When the University cannot adhere to these estimated timelines, the grievant and accused will be notified and provided an anticipated completion date.

A22Y

The goal of the informal procedure is to resolve concerns at the earliest stage possible, with the cooperation of all parties involved. Informal resolution may include inquiry into the facts, but typically does not include a formal investigation. Allegations involving sexual assault may not be addressed using the informal procedure.

Upon receiving the initial report from the grievant, the ADHRER will notify the University employee’s supervisor(s) (if the accused is a faculty member, this will usually be the Chair of the employee’s department and the Dean of the employee’s school or college). In cases involving sex discrimination or sexual harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer will also be notified, as applicable, as will the 504 Officer in cases of disabilities discrimination. The ADHRER will then take appropriate steps to resolve the concern, which may include holding discussions (either separately or together) with the grievant, the accused, the accused’s supervisor, and appropriate University officials. If the ADHRER is involved in the complaint or is unavailable to complete the informal procedure, the Director of Human Resources will assume the role of the ADHRER or will assign another Elon staff member to do so.

If the matter is resolved informally to the satisfaction of all parties, the supervisor of the accused (and, in instances of sexual discrimination or harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer), in consultation with the ADHRER, will maintain a record of the resolution.

If the matter cannot be resolved informally to the satisfaction of all parties, or the grievant chooses the formal process at any time, the grievant may initiate the formal procedure described below by notifying the ADHRER.

A32B

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, unavailable (such as in the instance of sexual assault), or if the grievant chooses the formal procedure, a formal written complaint must be filed. The written complaint will include details of the allegations of violations of the University policy against harassment and discrimination including, but not limited to, the alleged violations, the date(s) and time(s) of the alleged violations and any witnesses or other relevant information about the complaint. If the ADHRER is involved in the complaint, the grievant should submit the statement to the Director of Human Resources. If the ADHRER is involved in the complaint or is unavailable to complete the investigation, the Director of Human Resources will investigate or assign an investigator who will then take on the duties of the ADHRER as described below.

Upon receipt of the written complaint, the ADHRER will notify the accused, the University accused employee’s supervisor(s), the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and, if the case involves sex discrimination or sexual harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer. The University will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation.

The ADHRER will undertake an investigation of the allegations contained in the written statement. Depending on the nature of the allegations, the investigation could include interviews with the grievant, the accused and/or witnesses; review of written documentation and relevant policies; and any other steps necessary to thoroughly investigate the allegations. The investigation will be conducted as expeditiously as possible, and the results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. At that time, academic support staff with faculty rank or administrative staff with faculty rank who are accused of violating the policy must notify the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs whether they choose the faculty or staff procedure. Once notification is given, the accused may not change procedures.

Within 14 calendar days of the ADHRER’s receipt of the written complaint, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee, will assemble a three-member hearing committee. One member of the committee will be a faculty member, appointed by the Chair of Academic Council; one member will be a staff member, appointed by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from a list of staff recommended by the Staff Advisory Council; and one administrator, at the level of Assistant Dean or above, appointed by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. To be eligible for appointment, an appointee must have completed training in University discrimination and harassment policies and procedures (including Title IX and 504/ADA obligations), and have no conflict of interest in the complaint. If the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs finds an appointee to have a conflict of interest or be unable to complete the required training in a timely fashion, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will request an additional three names from the appointer and choose one name from that list.

The hearing committee will elect a Chair by majority vote who will serve as the convener of the committee.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will provide the hearing committee with a copy of the results of the confidential investigation conducted by the ADHRER. After reviewing the results of the investigation, the committee will conduct a hearing regarding the allegations and investigation findings. Both the grievant and the accused each may be accompanied and advised at the hearing by a University student or employee; however, no attorneys may be present or participate in the hearing. Reasonable provisions will be made for University employees or students to appear as witnesses.

The hearing should normally be completed within 30 calendar days from the receipt of the investigation. Within 14 calendar days of the completion of the hearing, the committee will provide a written report of responsibility or non-responsibility for policy violations. The committee will provide a copy of this report to the grievant, the accused, the ADHRER, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and, in cases involving sex discrimination or sexual harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer. The committee will also issue a recommendation to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for sanctions, if any, to be assigned to the accused if the accused is found responsible for any alleged policy violation.

Either the grievant or the accused may request an appeal of the hearing committee’s finding of responsibility or non-responsibility by providing a written notice of appeal to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven calendar days of the Hearing Board’s determination. Appeals of the Hearing Board’s decision may only be made on the basis of 1) substantial violations of the procedures of this policy and/or 2) the emergence of new, material information relevant to the alleged policy violations. Written notice of appeal must identify the basis of the appeal and should include sufficient detail to support the appeal. If the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is involved in the case, the grievant should submit the statement to the President of the University, who will then take on the duties of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs as described in this paragraph. Upon receipt of this written appeal, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the information from the formal procedure plus any new information submitted and permit the non-appealing party an opportunity to provide information relevant to the appeal if desired. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will make a final determination of responsibility and notify the grievant and accused of the outcome within 30 calendar days of receiving the request for appeal. If the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs upholds a decision of responsibility, she or he will assign sanctions and communicate in writing this decision and sanctions to the accused, the accused’s supervisor, the ADHRER, and, in cases involving sex discrimination or sexual harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer. Any decision to issue sanctions by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will be placed in the accused’s personnel file.

If no appeal is filed of the hearing committee findings, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will determine appropriate corrective actions including sanctions upon a review of the hearing committee findings and file. A written summary of corrective action will be provided to the accused, the accused’s supervisor, the ADHRER, and, in cases involving sex discrimination or sexual harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer within 14 calendar days of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs receiving the reports of the hearing committee.

The University will maintain documentation of the complaint, its investigation, and hearing process under this policy. In cases involving sex discrimination or sexual harassment, all documentation will be filed with the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer.

A22H

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for implementing sanctions and will follow all relevant existing procedures.

In cases where the sanctions assigned to the accused include either dismissal or suspension, the accused’s case may be heard by Academic Council (see Faculty Bylaws Article VI, Section 3 with the recommendation of the Council being provided to the President. Tenured faculty may also request that the Board of Trustees review the recommendations of Academic Council and the President, in accordance with procedure in the section on the Dismissal of Tenured Teaching Faculty .

In cases where the corrective actions assigned to the accused do not include either dismissal or suspension, and the accused believes that the corrective actions assigned are excessive or inappropriate, the accused can request that Academic Council serve as a hearing committee to review the assigned sanctions. The accused must make this request to the Chair of Academic Council within seven calendar days of the Provost’s determination of sanctions, and the Council must hold a hearing concerning the sanctions within 14 calendar days of receiving the request by the accused employee. The Council must then provide a written recommendation to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs within seven calendar days of the conclusion of the hearing. Within seven calendar days of receiving the recommendation of Council, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will then provide a final written statement of sanctions to the accused, the accused’s supervisor, the ADHRER, and, in cases involving sex discrimination or sexual harassment, the University’s Title IX Deputy Officer or Title IX Officer as applicable, and in cases of disabilities discrimination, the 504 Officer.

A25D

Faculty members who believe that a decision has been made in their case which violates University procedures should discuss their case with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and then make a written request as described below.

Neither the tenure nor the promotion decision itself is grievable (see Faculty Grievance Procedure). However, any teaching faculty member who believes that a decision has been made in their case which violates University tenure or promotion procedures may submit a letter expressing their intent to appeal the decision (hereafter referred to as the Notice of Appeal) to the Chair of Academic Council and the President within 30 calendar days of notification of the decision.

• The Chair of Academic Council will serve as the Chair of the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board unless they are not a teaching faculty member or they have participated in any way in the tenure or promotion process being appealed (this includes, but is not limited to, writing a Unit III for the grievant in question or contributing a letter of reference to that person’s tenure/promotion digital portfolio). In the event that either of these conditions applies to the Chair of Academic Council, Academic Council will elect a teaching faculty member of Academic Council who has not participated in any way in the tenure or promotion process being appealed to serve as Chair of the Hearing Board.
• Upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Chair of the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board will choose three tenure/promotion appeal committee members to serve on the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board for the appeal, certain that none of the three has participated in any way in the tenure or promotion process being appealed (this includes, but is not limited to, writing a Unit III for the faculty member in question or contributing a letter of reference to that person’s tenure/promotion digital portfolio). Representatives will recuse themselves from the Hearing Board if they believe they have a conflict of interest.
• The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will choose an academic Dean from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, the School of Communications, the School of Education, or the School of Health Sciences to serve on the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board, provided that they are not the academic Dean of the grievant making the appeal and that they have not participated in any way in the tenure/promotion process being appealed.
• All five members of the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board have a vote, and decisions are made by simple majority.
• Once the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board has been created, the members of that Board will serve until the President notifies them that a final decision has been rendered.

Within 21 calendar days of submission of the Notice of Appeal, the grievant making the appeal will submit to the Chair of Academic Council and the President a written document summarizing the alleged procedural violations on which the appeal is based, including evidence substantiating the alleged violations. This will serve as the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board’s principal resource in its deliberations.

Once the grievant’s documentation has been received, the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board will conduct its review according to the following guidelines:

• The initial meeting of the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board will be convened by the Chair for the purpose of reviewing the appeal procedures. Additionally, the Chair of the Hearing Board will maintain a log of the Board’s activities.
• The Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board is empowered to investigate and substantiate the details included in the petitioning faculty member’s written documentation.
• In addition to the letter of appeal, the Board will have access to the grievant’s tenure/promotion file and any other of the petitioning grievant’s records that are relevant.

Once the members of the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board are satisfied that they have adequately investigated the grievant’s allegations, the Hearing Board will meet in closed session to formally adjudicate the appeal.

Within 90 calendar days of receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Tenure/Promotion Appeal Hearing Board will submit its recommendation on the appeal to the President for final decision. The grievant will receive a copy of the recommendation. The President will notify the Chair of the Hearing Board that a final decision has been rendered.

A26A

This process applies to faculty on continuing track or lecturer track who are denied a continuing appointment following the continuance review.

The decision to deny a continuing contract for continuing track and lecturer track faculty following the continuance review is not grievable (see Faculty Grievance Procedure) However, any teaching faculty member who believes that a decision has been made in his/her case which violates University review procedures may submit a letter expressing his or her intent to appeal the decision (hereafter referred to as the Notice of Appeal) to the Chair of Academic Council and the President within 30 calendar days of notification of the decision.

• The Chair of Academic Council will serve as the Chair of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board unless he/she is not a teaching faculty member or he/she has participated in any way in the review process being appealed (this includes, but is not limited to, being in the same department as the member in question, writing a Unit III for the faculty member in question or contributing a letter of reference to that person’s file). In the event that either of these conditions applies to the Chair of Academic Council, Academic Council will elect a teaching faculty member of Council who has not participated in any way in the process being appealed to serve as Chair of the Hearing Board.
• Upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Chair of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will choose two tenure/promotion appeal representatives and one continued Senior Lecturer, continued Associate Professor or continued Full Professor to serve on this Hearing Board for the appeal, making certain that none of the three has participated in any way in the process being appealed (this includes, but is not limited to, being in the same department as the member in question, writing a Unit III for the faculty member in question, or contributing a letter of reference to that person’s file). Representatives will recuse themselves from the Hearing Board if they believe they have a conflict of interest.
• The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will choose an academic Dean from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, the School of Communications, the School of Education, or the School of Health Sciences to serve on the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board, provided that he/she is not the academic Dean of the grievant making the appeal and that he/she has not participated in any way in the process being appealed.
• All five members of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board have a vote, and decisions are made by simple majority.
• Once the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board has been created, the members of that Board will serve until the President notifies them that a final decision has been rendered.

1. Within 21 calendar days of submission of the Notice of Appeal, the grievant making the appeal will submit to the Chair of Academic Council and the President a written document summarizing the alleged procedural violations on which the appeal is based, including evidence substantiating the alleged violations. This will serve as the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board’s principal resource in its deliberations.
2. Once the grievant’s documentation has been received, the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will conduct its review according to the following guidelines:

• The initial meeting of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will be convened by the Chair for the purpose of reviewing the appeal procedures. Additionally, the Chair of the Hearing Board will maintain a log of the Board’s activities.
• The Continuance Appeal Hearing Board is empowered to investigate and substantiate the details included in the petitioning grievant’s written documentation.
• In addition to the letter of appeal, the Board will have access to the grievant’s personnel file and any other of the petitioning grievant’s records that are relevant.

3. Once the members of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board are satisfied that they have adequately investigated the grievant’s allegations, the Hearing Board will meet in closed session to formally adjudicate the appeal.
4. Within 90 calendar days of receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will submit its recommendation on the appeal to the President for final decision. The petitioning grievant will receive a copy of the recommendation. The President will notify the Chair of the Hearing Board that a final decision has been rendered.

A27R

The decision to deny a continuing contract for librarians is not grievable. However, any librarian who believes that a decision has been made in his/her case which violates University review procedures may submit a letter expressing his/her intent to appeal the decision (hereafter referred to as the Notice of Appeal) to the Chair of the Promotion Review Committee and the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs within 30 days of notification of the decision. 

• The Chair of the Promotion Review Committee will serve as Chair of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board unless he/she has participated in any way in the review process being appealed (this includes, but is not limited to, being the supervisor of the librarian in question or contributing a letter of reference to that persons’ file.) In the event that either of these conditions applies to the Chair of the Promotion Review Committee, the Promotion Review Committee will elect a librarian member of the committee who has not participated in any way in the process being appealed to serve as Chair of the Hearing Board.
• Upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Chair of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will ask the teaching faculty representative from the Promotion Review committee and a librarian who has successfully completed the continuance process to serve on this Hearing Board for the appeal, making certain that none of the two have participated in any way in the process being appealed (this includes, but is not limited to, being the supervisor of the librarian in question or contributing a letter of reference to that persons’ file.) Representatives will recuse themselves from the Hearing Board if they believe they have a conflict of interest. 

1. Within 21 calendar days of submission of the Notice of Appeal, the librarian making the appeal will submit to the Chair of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board and the Provost a written document summarizing the alleged procedural violations on which the appeal is based, including evidence substantiating the alleged violations. This will serve as the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board’s principal resource in its deliberations.
2. Once the librarian’s documentation has been received, the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will conduct its review according to the following guidelines:
• The initial meeting of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will be convened by the Chair for the purpose of reviewing the appeal procedures. Additionally, the Chair of the Hearing Board will maintain a log of the Board’s activities.
• The Continuance Appeal Hearing Board is empowered to investigate and substantiate the details included in the appealing librarian’s written documentation.
3. In addition to the letter of appeal, the Board will have access to the librarian’s personnel file and any other of the petitioning librarian’s records that are relevant. Once the members of the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board are satisfied that they have adequately investigated the librarian’s allegations, the Hearing Board will meet in closed session to formally adjudicate the appeal.
4. Within 90 days of receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will submit its recommendation on the appeal to the President for final decision. The appealing librarian will receive a copy of the recommendation. The President will notify the Chair of the Hearing Board that a final decision has been rendered. At that time, the Continuance Appeal Hearing Board will be disbanded.

Grounds for appeal are limited to procedural matters. A librarian who believes that a decision has been made in his/her case which violates library promotion procedures may submit a letter expressing his or her intent to appeal the decision (referred to as Notice of Appeal) to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The petition for an appeal must be filed with the Provost within 30 calendar days of the receipt by the librarian of the decision not to promote.

If appeal is denied, a librarian may reapply for promotion after two years. 

The Promotion Appeals Committee will be appointed by the Office of the Provost. The Committee shall consist of three members, including one post-probationary librarian, one administrative staff, and one post-probationary member of the teaching faculty. The Promotion Appeals Committee members may not have participated in the original decision not to promote the librarian. The librarian may select one member of the panel. The Appeals Committee will elect a Chair. 

1. Within 21 days, the librarian filing an appeal will submit to the Promotion Appeals Committee a letter outlining the reason for appeal, as well as all necessary supporting documents. This will serve as the Promotion Appeals Committee’s principal resource in its deliberations.

2. Once the librarian’s documentation has been received, the Promotion Appeals Committee will conduct its review according to the following guidelines:

• The initial meeting of the Promotion Appeal Committee will be convened by the Chair for the purpose of reviewing the appeal procedures. Additionally, the Chair of the Promotion Appeal Committee will maintain a log of the Committee’s activities.
• The Promotion Appeal Committee is empowered to investigate and substantiate the details included in the appealing librarian’s written documentation.
• In addition to the letter of appeal, the Committee will have access to the librarian’s personnel file and any other of the petitioning librarian’s records that are relevant.

3. Once the members of the Promotion Appeals Committee are satisfied that they have adequately investigated the librarian’s allegations, the Appeals Committee will meet in closed session to formally adjudicate the appeal.

4. Within 90 days of receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Promotion Appeals Committee will submit its recommendation on the appeal to the President for final decision. The appealing librarian will receive a copy of the recommendation. The President will notify the Chair of the Promotion Appeals Committee that a final decision has been rendered.