This material is designed to provide information for UC Irvine Senate faculty who are contemplating a grievance case.
Introduction:
The Committee on Privilege and Tenure (CPT) reviews grievances brought directly from Senate members regarding administrative actions affecting them. In some cases of early termination, grievances are brought by non-Senate members. It is strongly recommended that a faculty member consult with the Committee Chair or a Complaint Advisor Panel member to clarify jurisdiction involving a matter of misconduct or a grievance.
How to File a Grievance:
A faculty member who decides to file a complaint with CPT should complete the grievance form outlining the main points at issue and taking care to give specific and concise answers. The list of issues a faculty member will need to address are:
- A description of the matter being grieved.
- The rights and privileges alleged to have been violated.
- Specific evidence that supports the grievance.
- Names of the parties involved.
- Consequences the grievant has suffered.
- Description of attempts to achieve informal resolution, including names and dates of who was contacted and when, to attempt informal resolution.
- Remedies being sought.
- Supporting documents or exhibits.
- Preliminary list of witnesses, their relevance to the case, and specific issues about which they can provide testimony.
Alternate Campus Grievance Resources:
- Non-Senate Grievances: The grievance procedure for non-Senate academic appointees is set forth in Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 140. AFT Unit 18 members should contact Kristin Beattie, Academic Labor and Employee Relations Director, Academic Personnel (x4-5103).
- Whistleblower Complaints: “Improper governmental activities” can be reported to the campus Locally Designated Officer, Vice Chancellor Kirsten Quanbeck (x4-5594). More information may be found at the Whistleblower website.
- Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity: The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) investigates complaints/allegations of violations that are related to sexual harassment, discrimination and equal opportunity laws, policies and procedures. To obtain a complaint form, visit the OEOD office which is located in 103 Multipurpose Science & Technology Building or contact the office at (949) 824-5594. Often an appointment is encouraged when a complaint form is requested. OEOD also offers informal early resolution options.
- Office of the Ombuds: The Office of the Ombuds is an informal, independent, impartial and confidential resource designed to provide informal interventions to resolve complaints, conflicts or problems in a timely and discreet manner. Please contact the office at (949) 824-7256.
- Chancellor’s Designee: Inquiries and complaints, as appropriate, may also be brought to the attention of the Chancellor’s Designee, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel (x4-0663).
- Report a Concern: Faculty can report issues the Office of Academic Personnel is responsible for administering using the mechanisms at the AP Report a Concern webpage.
Additional Campus Resources:
The Life Resources Program is a free confidential service. All of the services provided under Life Resources are available by a single point of contact via a toll-free telephone number at (844) 824-3273, 24/7. Multilingual counselors are also available. Faculty and staff need to identify themselves as employees of the University of California, Irvine.
Employees can access support through Faculty & Staff Support Services.
- Dr. Negar Shekarabi provides mental health coordination through the provision of campus-wide leadership, direction, and oversight of behavioral health referral services for faculty and staff.
- Dr. Shekarabi also provides Complainant Support Services to UCI faculty and staff. In this role, she serves as a support person for faculty and staff who have or may desire to bring forth complaints of alleged conduct that violates the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. She assists faculty and staff in navigating the personal and professional impacts of experiencing the alleged misconduct, as well as helps them understand their rights and the reporting process. This is available in addition to the free and confidential support services available to faculty through the CARE office.
- Dr. Shekarabi can be reached at nshekara@uci.edu or (949) 824-5208.