Grievance Procedure

Unfortunately, a GA may sometimes be treated unfairly by a supervisor. A grievance must be initiated within six months of the occurrence of the conflict. Before filing a formal grievance, the GA must make a good faith effort to resolve the conflict informally with the supervisor, using resources provided by the department or unit of hire, and/or other available campus resources (See Academic Policies < Conflict Resolution). Within 14 days of meeting with the GA, the supervisor shall propose a solution, preferably in writing, to resolve the conflict. If dissatisfied with the solution, the GA may file a formal grievance against a supervisor by following the procedure below. (For academic grievance procedure, see Academic Policies < Grievance Procedure.)

Step 1 — Filing of Grievance with Graduate Chair
If dissatisfied with the outcome from informal conflict resolution, the GA may file a grievance with the graduate chair and provide a copy for the department chair or unit director, within 14 working days after receiving the response of the supervisor. The GA shall submit a written grievance that provides the info listed below:

1. the facts from the GA's perspective — citing specific date, time, place and violations where possible;
2. the remedy sought;
3. evidence and witness(es), if any;
4. the solution proposed by the supervisor.

The graduate chair (or designee) shall meet with the parties separately or jointly (if both parties agree) to discuss the grievance. Within 14 working days of receipt of the grievance, the graduate chair or designee shall complete all investigations and provide a written decision to the parties involved.

Step 2 — Appeal with Dean or Director
If dissatisfied with the outcome in Step 1, the GA may file an appeal in writing with the dean or director, within 14 working days after receiving the decision of the graduate chair. The dean or director (or designee) will review all written testimonies supplied by the parties involved and the graduate chair. Within 14 working days of receipt of the appeal, the dean or director (or designee) shall complete all investigations and provide a written decision to the parties and the graduate chair.

Step 3 — Final Appeal with Graduate Dean
If dissatisfied with the outcome in Step 2, the GA may file a final appeal in writing with the Graduate Dean, within 14 working days after receiving the decision of the dean or director. The Graduate Dean will review all documents relevant to the appeal. Within 14 working days of receipt of the appeal, the Graduate Dean (or designee) shall complete all investigations and provide a written decision to the parties involved. The decision of the Graduate Dean is final.