153.1 Faculty Grievance Procedure

153.1 Faculty Grievance Procedure

A. Background

Furman University seeks to provide fair and feasible procedures for examining claims that faculty members have been subjected to discrimination as defined in Furman's Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Program (See File 832.1). Appeals concerning promotions, tenure, and renewal of contracts are covered under the procedures outlined in File 198.2.

B. Policy

The University believes that all complaints should be resolved, whenever possible, without resort to the formal grievance procedure. The purpose of this policy is to promote a prompt and efficient procedure for the investigation and resolution of grievances.

C. Guidelines

1. All grievances, requests for review, and appeals must be submitted in writing and signed by the person making the complaint.

2. If the problem cannot be resolved by informal discussion, the following formal grievance/appeal procedure will be undertaken:

Step 1. The faculty member shall file the grievance with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean within four (4) weeks following the act or omission in question. In the event a faculty member makes a complaint of discrimination pursuant to Policy 832.1, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean shall inform and consult with the Affirmative Action Officer concerning the disposition of the complaint. The faculty member may request postponement of any action in processing the grievance formally for a period of up to three (3) weeks, during which period efforts to resolve the grievance informally shall be made. The faculty member may at any time terminate the postponement period by giving written notice to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean that he/she wishes to follow the formal procedure. If no postponement is requested, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean shall conduct a meeting with the faculty member no later than three (3) weeks following (1) receipt of the grievance or (2) upon receipt of written notice that the faculty member wishes to proceed with the meeting prescribed in Step 1. At the Step 1 meeting, the faculty member shall have the right to present any evidence in support of the grievance. The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean shall issue a written decision, stating the reasons for his/her decision within three (3) weeks following the conclusion of the meeting.

Step 2. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved by Step 1, the faculty member may file a written request for review with the Faculty Status Committee. The Faculty Status Committee shall schedule a meeting with the faculty member no later than three (3) weeks following receipt of the request for review. Subsequent to this meeting, the committee will make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean who shall issue a written decision, stating the reasons for his/her decision within three (3) weeks following the conclusion of the review meeting.

Step 3. If the grievance has not been satisfactorily resolved by Step 2, the faculty member may file a written request for review by the President. The President shall schedule a meeting no later than three (3) weeks following receipt of the request for review. The President shall render a decision within three (3) weeks following the conclusion of the review meeting.

3. No reprisal of any kind will be made by the University against any grievant, any witness, or any other participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.

...........................