Student Grievance Procedure Under The Americans with Disabilities Act

PNWU is committed to providing equal and integrated access for students with disabilities. This resolve is grounded not only in the law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, but also in the commitment PNWU has to the inclusion of all members of the community. This grievance process is intended to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints involving discrimination based on disability.

Disability Accommodation Appeal Process

Any student enrolled in any PNWU program who believes they have been discriminated against based on disability (including but not limited to alleged inaccessibility of an PNWU program or activity, disparate treatment, discriminatory impact of any PNWU policy, disability harassment, and disability accommodation) may seek the assistance of the Director of Student Success and Disability Services (Director) or the 504 Coordinator (or designees) through the filing of a disability grievance under this process. If a student believes that they have been denied equal access in the form of accommodations, auxiliary aids, or other modifications, they may pursue an appeal.

PNWU automatically reconsiders all denied requests for accommodation through an external consultant. These decisions are documented in the student’s file and made available to the student.

Students are entitled to appeal for decisions regarding their disability eligibility as a person with a disability and any denial of accommodation in accordance with the below process. Students with grievances relating to accommodations are encouraged to first work through the informal grievance process relating to disability accommodation but may go straight to the formal process, as desired.

I. Informal Process

When issues arise, they are often the result of misunderstandings, miscommunication, or lack of education around disability.

In these instances, clarification and effective communication can lead to a quick and effective solution. Consequently, PNWU welcomes the opportunity to resolve issues through an internal process. Students may bypass the informal process and begin the formal process as a first step if they so choose.

Early notification of any concerns is helpful. Students can begin the informal process by contacting the Director (ods@pnwu.edu) in writing, with clear and detailed information.

Addressing these concerns proactively allows for the greatest opportunity for intervention through education and opportunities for a prompt resolution.

II. Formal Process 

Grievances regarding accommodations, experiences, or discrimination.
Please submit the grievance in writing to the 504 Coordinator no later than 15 days following the occurrence or accommodation decision to:

504 Coordinator
Ro Kmetz
rkmetz@pnwu.edu

Grievances Must Include:

1. 1. A clear and concise statement of the problem or issues to be reviewed and a summary of steps taken, if any, by the student to resolve the problem or issues prior to the filing.
   2. A reasonably detailed description of the relevant facts, including the student’s alleged disability, names of persons with information, and a description or copies of relevant documents or other evidence relevant to the grievance. A chronology of events is appreciated.
   3. The name, contact information and signature of the person initiating the complaint. Electronic signatures are acceptable.

In response to a grievance, the 504 Coordinator will take some or all the following steps:

1. 1. Review the request, including any new or updated documentation within 7-10 business days.
   2. Meeting in person with the student
   3. Contacting other parties listed in the grievance.
   4. Provide a report listing the results of any fact-finding

Appeals that do not require a fact-finding process will be resolved within 15 business days of filing the grievance. When additional fact-finding is required, the resolution may take up to 30 business days. PNWU will engage in a robust effort to conclude the process as quickly as possible; however, university and national holidays and other factors outside of the control of PNWU may extend this process.

Prohibition Against Retaliation 

Consistent with applicable law, PNWU prohibits retaliation against any person who requests accommodation, files a grievance alleging disability discrimination or participates in the grievance process. Any concerns about retaliation related to this process should be disclosed immediately to the 504 Coordinator.

Alternative Avenues for Addressing Grievances 

Although all PNWU students may avail themselves of this policy and procedure, students are encouraged to try to resolve matters informally whenever necessary. If a student believes that an informal resolution is possible, even in the context of a filed grievance, the student is encouraged to describe a proposed resolution to the 504 Coordinator.

Further, while students are encouraged to utilize PNWU process towards resolving disability-related grievances, all students have a right to file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) or to engage in private litigation.

OCR’s contact information is: 

Seattle Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
915 Second Avenue Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099

Telephone: 206-607-1600
FAX: 206-607-1601; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

PNWU Process for Determining Disabilities
Disability Documentation Guidelines
Disability Privacy
Student Grievance Procedure Under ADA
Technical Standards