Complaints/Appeals Process

For complaints related specifically to accommodations provided through Accessibility Services, the following procedures shall be followed:

  • When a student or employee does not agree with the denial of a requested accommodation, they are encouraged to continue to engage in the interactive process and discuss their concern with the Director of Accessibility Services within thirty (30) days from the date of the denial. The concern can be submitted either in writing (hard copy or electronic) or communicated verbally and should describe the decision they would like to discuss and the rationale behind it. Concerns can often be resolved at this informal level.

Student Appeals

  • If a student disagrees with the accommodation determination after participating in the interactive process, the student may submit an appeal by filing an Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination complaint.
  • Students may also file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (section 504) or the Department of Justice (ADA) if they feel they have been denied access to, or the benefit of, any university academic program or activity. Students are not required by law to use the institutional grievance/complaint process before filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). A complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days of the date of the alleged discrimination.

Employee Appeals

  • If an employee disagrees with the accommodation determination after participating in the interactive process, the employee may submit a written appeal to the Campus Human Resources Officer within ten (10) business days of receiving the determination. The appeal should identify the basis for the appeal and include any additional information the employee wishes to be considered.
  • The appeal reviewer will conduct an independent review of the accommodation request, documentation, and interactive process record. A written decision will be issued within fifteen (15) business days. The appeal decision constitutes the institution’s final internal determination regarding the accommodation request.
  • Employees may also choose to file a complaint directly with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The charge can be filed electronically through the EEOC Public Portal