Policy: 1.8 Working Conditions/Grievances and Appeals Procedure

Adoption Date: December 16, 2024 – Revised

The college strives to maintain wholesome motivational working conditions. These conditions are met through amity and unity of purpose among employees. In the event of disagreements over working relationships, work conditions, employment practices, or interpretation of policies, employees may express grievances and seek solutions to resolve matters. This action should be taken as quickly as possible after issues arise, or within 10 college working days after issue occurs.

GRIEVANCE AND APPEALS PROCEDURE

The procedure for processing grievances is as follows:

1. The employee/complainant should first talk to his/her supervisor. Should an employee/complainant feel after oral discussion with his/her supervisor that a resolution has not been reached, the employee should present the facts in writing to the next level of supervision in the chain of command. At this point in the process, this level supervisor should share the written grievance with his/her supervisor, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and the highest level administrator in this area of reporting. The supervisor receiving the written grievance will respond in writing within ten (10) college working days.

2. Should the employee/complainant decide that the reply of this level supervisor is unsatisfactory, the matter may be taken to the next level of supervision. This individual will also respond to the employee/complainant within ten (10) college working days.

3. When the matter reaches the cabinet level position for resolution, this individual will also respond in writing to the employee/complainant within ten (10) college working days.

4. In the event that the matter is not resolved at the cabinet level, the employee/complainant may file a notice of appeal to the college president within ten (10) college working days after receipt of the cabinet member’s decision.

5. Upon the receipt of the notice of appeal, the college president makes the final decision on the matter within ten (10) college working days or as soon as possible based on the complexity of the matter, taking into account number of issues and availability of included parties. The employee/complainant will be notified in writing of the president’s decision.