University of Wisconsin Colleges

Department of Mathematics

Department Bylaws

Appendix B

Department Grievance Procedures

All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to utilize informal discussions with the Mathematics Department Chair, with the appropriate College Dean, or with the Mathematics Department Grievance Committee to resolve conflicts and remedy personal and professional concerns.

If an informal resolution of a grievance is not possible, the grievance must be handled in accordance with the then current Standardized Grievance Procedures as ratified by the UW Colleges Senate.

If a recommendation of the Mathematics Department Grievance Committee is not accepted, the individual involved has the right to file a formal grievance with the Colleges Appeals and Grievance Committee.

All grievances of a Mathematics Department faculty member against a faculty member of another department must be presented to the Mathematics Department Chair as an initial step.

All appeals against a committee or administrative action which is related directly to the imminent loss of the appellate's position (as in nonrenewal, nonretention, or dismissal) will follow the rules and procedures established for such grievances by the then current Standardized Grievance Procedures as ratified by the UW Colleges Senate. These procedures include, but are not limited to, a requirement that the original decision making body undertake a reconsideration of the action. The Mathematics Department Grievance Committee reserves the right to petition the UW Colleges Appeals And Grievance Committee to take original jurisdiction in all cases in this category.

All persons filing a grievance are reminded that the burden of proof is on the person filing the grievance.

All individuals should seek redress of grievances in a timely manner. Some University rules and regulations may prevent the consideration of an issue if it is delayed in its presentation to the Committee.

All persons filing a grievance or who are the subject of a grievance are reminded that they have the right to be represented by legal counsel of their own choosing. If anyone involved in a grievance procedure elects to utilize legal counsel, the Mathematics Department Grievance Committee reserves the right to request that the UW Colleges Appeals and Grievance Committee take original jurisdiction for hearing the grievance.

The Mathematics Department Grievance Committee reserves the right to request that it be represented by legal counsel to be provided by UW System Administration.

Procedures for Faculty

I. DEFINITION: As defined in the UWC Constitution 6.07 and UWC 6.02, "A grievance is a personnel problem involving a faculty member's expressed feeling of unfair treatment or dissatisfaction with action or conduct by administration, faculty, or academic staff which disregard or violate University rules or policies and/or adversely affect the working conditions or rights of a faculty member."

II. INFORMAL PROCEDURES: By the mutual consent of all parties to a grievance, including the Committee members, an attempt may be made to settle a grievance through discussion and other non-confrontational means. If mutually acceptable to the Committee and to all parties involved, no records need be kept and no other persons need be informed. Nothing in this document will prevent the parties to a grievance from coming to an agreement as to the outcome of a disputed issue through informal means at any time.

III. PRIMARY PROCEDURE: The grievance will be handled using the rules and procedures of the then current Standardized Grievance Procedures as ratified by the Senate.

Procedures for Students

I. INFORMAL PROCEDURES: Students are encouraged to first talk with the person at whom the grievance is directed to attempt to reach agreement on the issues before employing formal procedures. Students are encouraged to seek the advice and support of the Campus Associate Chair or of any other mathematics faculty member in resolving the issue. If mutually acceptable to the Committee and to all parties involved, no records need be kept and no other persons need to be informed. Nothing in this document will prevent a student and a faculty member from coming to an agreement as to the outcome of a disputed issue through informal means at any time.

II. PRIMARY PROCEDURE: At the request of any party to a grievance, including the Committee members, or at the direction of the Department Chair, the grievance will be handled using the rules and procedures of the then current Standardized Grievance Procedures as ratified by the Senate.

III. GRADES: Appeals by students with respect to any aspect of grades that cannot be settled through informal means will be handled in accordance with the rules and procedures of the then current Grade Appeal Procedures as ratified by the Senate.