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Tim Stutzman
Vice President of Finance
(540) 432-4197

Procedures

INFORMAL RESOLUTION

Informal Resolution for Interpersonal Conflicts or Grievable Issues

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Step 5: In the case of a grievable issue, if no mutually acceptable solution is found, parties may initiate the formal grievance procedures.

FORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Introduction

Formal grievance procedures are intended for situations in which there is the possibility of: 1) a lack of appropriate institutional policy; or 2) an error in institutional policies, in prescribed procedures for carrying out the policies, in the administration of those procedures, or in varying combinations of these, such that a discriminatory or harmful outcome may have resulted.  They are applicable to all students, faculty and staff of Eastern Mennonite University, as well as applicants for faculty, staff or student status.  The procedure provides a system to determine appropriate redress for the grievant while protecting the due process rights of the alleged offender.

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An aggrieved party may bring a complaint to the appropriate complaint coordinator by means of the formal grievance form, including a written report of the alleged incident(s).  EMU grievance procedures are designed to be as responsive as possible to grievances that might arise within the university community and to be sensitive to the needs of both parties.  The procedures provide both for mediation and/or for a hearing with a committee. Mediation is EMU’s preferred approach in most cases where the grievance process is necessary.  However, use of the mediation process is purely voluntary and can be terminated at any time by either of the parties.

LEVEL I PROCEDURES -- MEDIATION PROCESS

The Level I procedures are designed to achieve a mutually agreeable solution and are entirely voluntary on the part of the aggrieved party and the alleged offender.

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The mediation sessions end when a resolution has been reached, or when the aggrieved party or the alleged offender has terminated the process. Some examples of possible resolutions include discussion of the feelings and perceptions of the parties; agreement to terminate specific behavior(s); letter to the file; and/or withdrawal of the complaint. Upon successful resolution of the grievance, the mediator should provide a summary of the resolution agreement to the complaint coordinator and have the parties sign the same or any other document memorializing the agreement. (See above for appropriate complaint coordinator.)

LEVEL II PROCEDURES – FORMAL GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE

Step 1: Initiating the Process

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Footnotes

[1] Grievable Issue Defined: “Grievable issues are those in which there is a violation of institutional policies, a possible error in institutional policies or in the prescribed procedures for carrying out the policies, an error in the implementation of procedures, or in varying combinations of these, such that a discriminatory or harmful outcome may have resulted.”

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