Appeals & Grievance Procedure

Appeals and Grievances

“At the University of Mary Washington, the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action are practiced.  The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, or military service,…”

The Process

The following process should be followed when seeking an appeal and/or grievance related to accommodation determinations, implementation, and/or procedures:

• Student concerns related to classroom accommodations or their treatment in the classroom, if at all possible, should first be addressed directly with the faculty member.

• If the concern cannot be quickly resolved or if the student does not feel comfortable working directly with their faculty, the concern  must then be raised with a staff member within the Office of Disability Resources for intervention.

• Any determinations or actions taken by the ODR staff can be appealed to the Director of Disability Resources for additional review.  The Director will meet with the student and make a final determination within the Office of Disability Resources.

Mr. Alex Ecklund
aecklund@umw.edu
540-654-1266

• Students may appeal any determinations made within ODR and upheld by the Director, to the University of Mary Washington Director of Compliance serving as the University’s American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator:

Dr. Ruth Davison
rdavison@umw.edu
540-654-5656

• In the event the student experiences perceived or actual prejudiced behavior as opposed to, or in addition to, accommodation related barriers, those concerns should be addressed to the University of Mary Washington Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion serving as the University’s Chief Diversity Officer (CDO):

Dr. Shavonne Shorter
sshorter@umw.edu
540-654-1213

External discrimination complaints

Students are encouraged to work through the internal processes for the most efficient resolution process, but students also have the right to file an external complaint of disability discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.