Formal Resolution

Although each campus is a part of the overall Ottawa University system, this policy also recognizes that each campus has its own unique organization, size, needs, identity, and culture. In order to offer a consistent process as well as one that is truly responsive to all individuals, each campus is responsible for developing, following and maintaining its own formal grievance procedure according to the principles listed below. Formal campus grievance procedures must be consistent with all other Ottawa University policies, are considered part of this policy, and must be included herein as well as proactively being made available to all students.

• The procedure will be “user friendly.”
• The procedure will preserve and protect the confidentiality, integrity and the human dignity of all parties.
• The procedure will guarantee due process to all involved parties.
• The procedure will actively prevent any conflicts of interest.
• The procedure will be designed to convey fairness and impartiality.
• Formal grievances will be in writing.
• The moving party must show at least a threshold burden of proof.
• If a campus procedure elects to include panels, such panels will not make or develop University policy.
• If a campus procedure elects to include panels, such panels will function only as a body and its members will no individual authority on the matter(s) before it.
• A lack of timeliness on the part of a party will not interfere with the proper investigation of a concern or with appropriately “doing the right thing” even if it is outside of a campus’ procedure.
• If any employee or contractor of the University attempts, regardless of how subtly, to coerce, single out, threaten, or against a complaining party, or to discourage use of this or any other University policy or procedure, absent a question of fact, this will be interpreted as a negative response and immediately considered grounds for disciplinary action or termination.

Please see student handbook for grievance procedures and appeals processes.