WSU SpokaneStudent AffairsAccess and WellnessAccess ServicesGrievance Policy

Grievance Policy

Students

If the student is not satisfied, they have a right to file a formal grievance. This complaint should be made as soon as possible after the action that triggers concern, and the complaint will be resolved based on timelines stated in the procedures below. The student may file a formal grievance by:

  • Presenting their concerns in writing to the WSU Spokane Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. The grievance should contain the following elements:
    • Specifics of the concern, including the student’s rationale for filing the grievance
    • History of the issue, including steps that the student has taken to date
    • Individuals against whom the concern is being filed
    • Requested resolution to the concern
    • Contact information for the student

If the grievance relates to accommodations granted or not granted to a student, accommodations will not be adjusted until the Vice Chancellor has reached a decision. The Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs will investigate and respond to the student within one week.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Academic Center 130
509.358.7526

Once a formal decision has been made and the student informed, the student may appeal to the WSU Pullman Dean of Students within 20 business days of the Vice Chancellor’s response. The Office of Student Affairs will provide the Dean of Students with the grievance documents submitted by the students. Only facts already in evidence will be considered.

Dean of Students
French Administration Building, Room 134
509.335.2193

WSU students who believe they have been discriminated against due to a disability may pursue a formal grievance/compliant through WSU’s Office of Compliance & Civil Rights.

Office of Compliance & Civil Rights
French Administration Building, Room 225
509.335.8288

Students may also pursue a complaint/grievance with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Commission enforces the Law Against Discrimination (RCW49.60).

Students may also pursue a complaint/grievance with the Office of Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education.

Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Office
U.S. Department of Education
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Telephone: 206.607.1600
Fax: 206.607.1601
OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

Faculty

Faculty must speak directly to the Access Services provider and NOT to the student in question. In addition, faculty members are still obligated to provide all accommodations as stated in the Letter of Accommodation until resolution is reached.

If a faculty member is still dissatisfied after the Access Services provider has considered the concern and provided rationale, the faculty should speak directly to his or her department chair. The department chair will confer with the College Dean and the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research as needed and will respond to the faculty member within two weeks. Accommodations may not be adjusted until resolution is reached.

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