Grievance Policy
Student Accommodation Grievance and Review Procedure
Students who disagree with an accommodation determination may request review under this grievance policy.
Note regarding Faculty and Instructor Concerns: This procedure is intended solely for students who disagree with an accommodation determination. Instructors who believe that a proposed accommodation would fundamentally alter an essential requirement of a course or program should promptly notify ODR. ODR will consult with the instructor, relevant academic administrators, and other appropriate University personnel before making a final accommodation determination.
Resolving a Dispute-Student Process
The University provides both informal and formal processes to attempt to resolve disputes.
Step 1: Informal Resolution
In instances where there is a dispute regarding a student accommodation, the student, access coordinator, instructor, and other appropriate University personnel will make every effort to resolve the disagreement informally.
Accommodations approved by ODR will remain in effect while a Request for Review is pending unless the University determines that implementation presents an immediate health, safety, or fundamental alteration concern.
If a resolution cannot be reached, the student may seek informal resolution by requesting a review by the Director of Disability Resources.
Step 2: Administrative Reconsideration by the Director of Disability Resources
The Director of Disability Resources may then request a meeting with the individual requesting the review and may request additional information or supporting documentation.
At the discretion of the Director, the request may also be discussed during a Case Conference Meeting attended by ODR professional staff, including Access Coordinators and the Director.
The Director of Disability Resources will inform the student in writing of the outcome of the Administrative Reconsideration process.
Students who wish to pursue a Formal Review must submit a Request for Formal Review within seven (7) business days of notification of the Administrative Reconsideration outcome.
Step 3: Formal Review by the Associate Vice Provost of Disability Compliance and Eligibility Assessment Committee
Before requesting a Formal Review, the student must first seek review through the Informal Process described above. Following completion of the Administrative Reconsideration process, a Request for Formal Review must be submitted within seven (7) business days of notification of the Administrative Reconsideration outcome.
To request a Formal Review, submit a Request for Review of the disputed decision to the University of Rochester Associate Vice Provost of Disability Compliance.
Upon receipt of the Request for Review form, the Associate Vice Provost of Disability Compliance may attempt to resolve the dispute informally. If the dispute is not resolved, the Associate Vice Provost will convene an Eligibility Assessment Committee within seven (7) business days.
The Eligibility Assessment Committee is appointed by the Associate Vice Provost of Disability Compliance. The Committee will review the accommodation request, supporting documentation, applicable University policies, and any other relevant information to determine whether the accommodation decision was reasonable and consistent with university policies and applicable disability law.
ODR Access Coordinators and Director may provide general information regarding determination and implementation of accommodations, however, Committee members will not include individuals who made or participated in the original accommodation determination. The Dean or designated representative of the Department offering the course(s) in which the accommodation is requested may be asked to provide information to the committee.
The Committee will review the Request for Review and any additional relevant information and will render a decision within ten (10) business days after the Committee is convened.
Disability Discrimination Complaints
The Student Accommodation Grievance and Review Procedure is intended to address disputes regarding accommodation determinations. Allegations of disability discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other conduct prohibited by the University of Rochester’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Employment/Services Practices (PADH) should be reported through the University's PADH procedures.
For Discrimination Complaints
The Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Employment/Service Practices (PADH) prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression including transgender and gender-expansive identities, genetic information, marital status, familial status or an individual’s reproductive health decision making, military/veteran status, national origin, race (including hairstyle), religion (including religious attire and facial hair), creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. Discrimination or harassment (including hostile work environment harassment) based on protected status will not be tolerated and is considered misconduct that will be subject to discipline. Read the full PADH policy for more information.