Office for Equal Opportunity: Informal Grievance Procedure

Informal review and consultative processes are highly desirable means of resolving problems. Use of these methods by individuals (e.g., students, employees, applicants) at the lowest possible level within the university is strongly encouraged.

Individuals who believe that they have been the target of discrimination by Central Washington University are encouraged to discuss the matter initially with their department chair, dean, administrative supervisor, or unit head. Students are encouraged to discuss the matter with the appropriate department chair, dean, or the vice president for student affairs. The matter may be concluded by mutual consent at this point. However, complainants should feel free to bring the alleged act of discrimination to the attention of the director of the office for equal opportunity at any time.

Any person may contact the office for equal opportunity for informal discussion, advice, and assistance. The director of the office for equal opportunity or a designee will assist the complainant(s) in determining whether there exists any relationship of the complaint to civil rights legislation and the university's nondiscrimination policies.

With the consent of the complainant, there may be facilitation or informal intervention by the director of the office for equal opportunity or a designee. Discussion of the grievance by the director of the office for equal opportunity or a designee with the immediate supervisor of the respondent may follow the visit to the office of equal opportunity by the complainant. The discussion between the director of the office for equal opportunity and the immediate supervisor shall be confidential. The complainant may choose to participate in this discussion at his/her option. At this time it shall be the option of the director of the office for equal opportunity to notify the respondent's next higher supervisory authority of the complaint.

All discussions held under this informal procedure shall have the goal of resolving the matter without the necessity of entering into a formal complaint procedure.