4.3.4 Non-Tenure Track Faculty Complaint Procedure

A. Definition of a Complaint.

A complaint includes, but is not limited to, any issue that pertains to scheduling, location, remuneration, disciplinary action, termination, or academic freedom. Complaints alleging conduct of sex-/gender-based harassment (as defined in BOT 1.4) may be addressed through policies maintained by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture.

B. Procedure for a Complaint.

In the steps below, a “day” is considered a weekday when classes are being held, including spring/summer semester.

1. Step 1 – Complaint Filed with the Unit Head. A non-tenure track faculty member with a complaint will submit the complaint in writing to the Unit Head within ten (10) days after learning of the incident upon which the issue is based. The written complaint will include the following:

1. A statement of the complaint.
2. A statement of the facts of the case.
3. A timetable of events.
4. A suggested remedy.

The written complaint may also contain any supportive materials or statements that the non-tenure track faculty member feels are germane to the complaint.

The Unit Head will review the complaint and may have a conference with the non-tenure track faculty member. In the case of termination, a meeting is required. The Unit Head shall issue a written  response to the non-tenure track faculty member within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint or ten (10) days of the date of the conference with the complaining non-tenure track faculty member, whichever is later. The response will include a summary of the conference and the decision of the Unit Head and the reasons for that decision.

2. Step 2 – Appeal to the Dean. If the complaint is not resolved at Step 1, the non-tenure track faculty member may appeal the decision of the Unit Head to the Dean within five (5) days of the  receipt of the Unit Head’s decision. The appeal will include the written complaint as submitted and the response as issued at Step 1. If the non-tenure track faculty member with a complaint so desires, they may also include a response to the Unit Head’s response.

The Dean will review the complaint and response and may have a conference with the non-tenure track faculty member. The Dean will issue a written decision within ten (10) days of the receipt of the appeal or ten (10) days of the date of the conference with the complaining non-tenure track faculty member, whichever is later.

3. Step 3 – Appeal to the Provost in the Case of Termination. In the case of termination, the non-tenure track faculty member may appeal the decision of the Dean to the Provost within five (5) days of the receipt of the Dean’s decision. The appeal will include the written complaint as submitted and the responses as issued at Steps 1 and 2. If the nontenure track faculty member with a complaint so desires, they may also include a response to the Dean’s response.

The Provost will review the complaint and responses and may have a conference with the non-tenure track faculty member. The Provost will issue a written decision within ten (10) days of the receipt of the appeal or ten (10) days of the date of the conference with the complaining non-tenure track faculty member, whichever is later.