It is the policy of Manhattan University not to discriminate based on disability. Manhattan University has adopted an internal procedure that provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging conditions prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Section 504 and the ADA prohibit discrimination based on disability in education and employment opportunities at Manhattan University and prohibit retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or a grievance under this procedure or cooperates in the investigation of a complaint or grievance. The following grievance procedures are designed to address concerns about unequal treatment based on disability.

Filing a Grievance

For Students:

STEP ONE:  INFORMAL MEETING

A student who wishes to raise an issue regarding an accommodation decision should promptly meet with a staff member at the SRC. Click here to schedule an appointment. A student should provide as many details and specifics as possible during this meeting to assist the committee in understanding the problem. These details can include a timeline, emails, or additional documentation not previously presented.  Please note, that the purpose of this meeting for Special Housing Requests is to gather any additional information you find relevant to share with the Housing Committee, not to make any decisions.  The information gathered will be shared with the committee for review.  If an informal solution isn’t achieved, the student can file a formal grievance within 14 business days of meeting with the SRC.  

STEP TWO:  FORMAL GRIEVANCE

The formal grievance should include all relevant details and any pertinent documents (timeline, emails, and documentation) and be submitted to the Executive Director of the Center for Advising and Academic Success. Complete this form to submit a formal grievance.  The purpose of the review is to determine whether or not there is substantial evidence to support the grievance and, if there is, what resolution could correct the situation. Information and documentation relevant to the matter may be requested from the involved parties. The student filing the grievance will have an opportunity to be heard in person if requested. The determination and a brief written summary for the basis of the determination will be provided to the student at the conclusion. This determination will be made within 14 business days of receiving the formal grievance.

FINAL STEP:  APPEAL OF FORMAL GRIEVANCE DETERMINATION

Students may appeal the determination of a formal grievance within 14 days of receipt of the determination. The Grievance Review Committee will review the formal grievance. This may include a request for additional information from the student.  An appeal is permitted when there is new information that was not previously reviewed, or where there was a material procedural error in how the grievance was processed. The student should state the reasons supporting the appeal. The Grievance Review Committee reviewing the appeal will provide a written decision within 14 business days from receipt of the appeal.  The decision on the appeal is final.

For Employees:

• Complaints should be addressed to Human Resources for employee, applicant, and external complaints, who will assign a Grievance Coordinator.
• Employee requests for reconsideration of the Grievance Coordinator’s decision and resolution of the case should be made within a reasonable amount of time to the University’s Vice President for Human Resources, who will convene the Manhattan University Grievance Review Committee.
• The Vice President for Human Resources will issue a determination of the Grievance Review Committee within a reasonable amount of time after the request for reconsideration.

These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that Manhattan University complies with Section 504 and the ADA.