Student Grievance Procedure

The Process

UNC Charlotte is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, subjected to discrimination in connection with, or denied the benefits of any University programs or activities due to disability. When appropriate, informal resolution with the individual, organization, or department giving rise to the complaint is encouraged and should be attempted prior to formal filing of a grievance. The informal procedure affords all interested persons an opportunity to respond and make modifications if necessary.

• If a student is not able to resolve an issue informally, they should bring a complaint to the attention of their assigned DS staff member in the Office of Disability Services.
• If the issue remains unresolved, the student should bring it to the attention of the Director of the Office of Disability Services. The Director will gather information related to the complaint, which includes meeting with the student and other parties involved. If the nature of the complaint involves concerns of discrimination on the basis of disability, the DS Director will consult with the Director of Civil Rights and Title IX as part of the resolution process.
• Should a complaint not be resolved through the Office of Disability Services to the satisfaction of the student, they may pursue the process outlined in University Policy 501, Nondiscrimination and its accompanying procedure documents

Reconsideration vs. Grievance – Which one do I need?

Reconsideration: Students who disagree with a determination of eligibility for accommodations have the option to request an accommodation reconsideration. This process is specifically designed to provide a review of a prior Disability Services decision in cases where a requested accommodation was not approved.

Grievance: A grievance is a report of alleged discrimination on the basis of disability regarding University services, activities, programs, or benefits.

Privacy and Prohibition Against Retaliation

Subject to FERPA and other applicable privacy laws, the university official investigating the grievance will inform individuals with a legitimate need to know of the grievance and may provide them related information as necessary to allow the university official to conduct a meaningful and thorough investigation. The University strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals for submitting a grievance or cooperating in the University’s investigation of a grievance of alleged violations of federal law.