Grievance

11. Someone has filed a grievance against me. What do I need to know?

It is likely that your supervisor has already been included on the notification email so you can reach out to them for support. The investigation process is explained in the flowchart available on DAC’s website. This is an internal grievance process that follows directly from the federal laws to which Title II Universities must adhere, and while the notification letter and email can be concerning, this is not a criminal prosecution or a legal process...

5. What if I need assistance filling out my grievance?

Assistance filling out our intake form is available from within the Office of Disability Access & Compliance. Email access@berkeley.edu and request the type of assistance you need. They can also provide you with the Access Violation or Disability Discrimination Grievance Procedure and Complaint Form in alternative formats.
Verbal grievances may be filed with DAC by contacting Steve Johnston, DAC Policy, Complaint, and...

10. What is a disability related grievance?

A disability-related grievance is a fact-finding investigation that determines whether a person has been discriminated against or a particular UC policy has been violated; in the case of Disability grievances, usually PACAOS 20 and 140...

9. What if I am not satisfied with the results of the investigation?

If you are not satisfied with the results of the investigation, you may submit a verbal or written appeal within 2 days of your receipt of the findings. Your appeal should detail the reasons you believe the findings to be in error. You will receive a response within 10 days of the day you submit your appeal.

Your appeal should be directed to DAC.

If you are not satisfied with the results of the appeal, you may file a complaint with the appropriate agency or department of the State or Federal government. Contact the U.S. Department of Justice,...

8. Retaliation Policy

The University will not retaliate against you for filing a grievance and will not knowingly permit retaliation by its faculty or employees. The University will take reasonable steps to protect you from retaliation by others as a result of filing a grievance. Please let the Investigator know immediately if you feel you are being retaliated against for filing a grievance.

6. What happens after I file my grievance?

After receiving your grievance, the ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer, or their designee in OPHD, will investigate. The investigation may include, but may not be limited to, interviews with: (a) you; (b) the person(s), if any, who allegedly discriminated against you; and (c) any other person the investigator believes to have relevant knowledge concerning your grievance. The investigator will also consider any written evidence that is given to them.

After completing the investigation, the investigator will review the factual information gathered through the...

7. When will I receive a response?

Absent extenuating circumstances, all grievances will be investigated, and a response issued, within 60 days of receipt of the formal grievance. If a delay is expected, the Investigator will notify you in writing of the reason(s) for the delay, and the date by which you will receive a response.

4. Where should I submit my grievance?

You may file your grievance with OPHD by going through our intake form or directly on iSight. The University’s designated ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer's name, office address and telephone number are:

Ella Callow, JD

desk: (510) 664-4012 | cell: (510) 603-1481
615D University Hall, UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720

You may also mail your grievance, e-mail it, or deliver it in...

3. What should the grievance include?

You may file your grievance through our intake form or directly on iSight. Alternative methods of form submission can be made available on request. Whatever format you choose, your grievance must include the following information:

Your name, address, email address and telephone number. If a representative is filing the grievance on your behalf, their name, address and telephone number must also be included. A description of the behavior(s) or...

2. When should a grievance be filed?

Before filing a grievance, you may seek informal resolution by contacting the Department Head (chair, dean, director, etc.) or their designee within 60 days of the alleged discriminatory action. If your informal concern is not resolved within ten (10) days, you have the right to file a formal grievance under this procedure.

Any grievance not resolved by the procedure described in Step 1 above, may be referred to the Investigator within thirty (30) days by the grievant or a representative of...