GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
The University recognizes that problems involving Employer-Employee relations will arise at times. It is in the best interest of both the University and the student employee to resolve these matters as soon as possible and at the lowest possible level. In order to assure student employees that their employment problems will be given fair consideration, a means of review and appeal to higher levels of authority has been established. NOTE: Any student employee who fails to follow the grievance procedures as outlined below shall lose any right in pursuing the grievance and the grievance will be subject to dismissal.
What is a grievance?
A grievance is a complaint by an employee regarding the interpretation or application of University rules and regulations, working conditions, or alleged improper treatment, which has not been resolved satisfactorily, in an informal manner between the employee and the immediate supervisor. A grievance complaint must set forth a clear indication of unfairness resulting in harm or damage to the aggrieved person, arising out of management failures, working conditions, or employment relationships. The complaint must be concerning a matter within the control of the department head and must state the relief sought. This relief must also be within the authority of the department head to grant, in whole or in part.
NOTE: A decision declining re-employment of a student after completion of an authorized period of employment is not classified as termination, therefore not subject to appeal.
Grievance Procedure
1. The employee should first attempt to address the complaint or grievance informally by discussing it with the immediate supervisor. Although the University encourages the resolution of problems by informal discussion between employee and supervisor, the employee is free to discuss the complaint with the Student Employment Coordinator in the Department of Student Financial Planning. If deemed necessary the Student Employment Grievance Board may be consulted in an attempt to resolve the issue(s) in an informal manner. However, an informal discussion must be held with the immediate supervisor or the Student Employment Coordinator before a formal complaint may be filed.
2. If the matter is not adjusted to the employee's satisfaction through the informal discussion, the employee may proceed to the first step in the formal grievance procedure by presenting the grievance in writing to the immediate supervisor, describing the adjustment desired, within five working days of its occurrence. The supervisor will have five working days in which to provide the employee a response in writing.
3. If the employee is not satisfied with the response from the supervisor, he/she may, within five working days of receiving a reply from the supervisor, present the grievance to the Department Head. Employees who work in the cafeteria should present the grievance to the Student Director if the problem is with one of the Student Managers. If the problem is with a Sodexho employee the grievance should be forwarded to the Student Employment Coordinator. If the student is working in a cash employment position, a copy of the grievance must be forwarded to the Council of Deans or a Vice President. The Department Head will have five days in which to respond in writing, with copies forwarded to all parties involved including the Student Employment Coordinator.
4. If the employee is not satisfied with the response from the Department Head, he/she may appeal the decision to the Student Employment Grievance Board. The Student Employment Grievance Board will be appointed by and chaired by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer or his/her designee. The chair is a nonvoting member. The board will consist of one student, one faculty member and one staff member. None of the appointees will be associated with the student presenting the grievance or the department in which the student is employed. The Grievance Board must be appointed within five workings days of the receipt of the latest appeal. The appeal shall be made in writing to the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and must state the basis on which the appeal is being made. The Grievance Board may uphold, vacate or alter the decision of the Department Head. The Student Employment Grievance Board will provide a response in writing to the student employee with copies forwarded to all parties involved.
5. The decision of the Student Employment Grievance Board will be final.