Complaints and Grievances

Complaints should be addressed to the Operations Manager and/or the Co-directors in writing using the Feedback form. Every effort will be made to resolve the concern after a full analysis. Consultation will occur with the Internal Governing Body, the Director of Student Affairs and the Chancellor as appropriate. Disposition related to the complaint will be provided to the complainant in a timely manner and actions will be documented.

For discrimination cases in which resolution has not been obtained, The Pennsylvania State University has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution to complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Complaints should be addressed to the Affirmative Action Office, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; you may call 814-865-4700 (voice), 814-863-1150 (TTY)

1. A complaint should be submitted in writing or verbally, contain the name and address of the complainant, and a brief description of the allegations of discrimination.
2. A complaint should be filed as soon as possible, generally within six (6) months of the alleged discrimination.
3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall be conducted by the Affirmative Action Office following receipt of a discrimination complaint. This procedure conducts informal, but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons, including the complainant and the person(s) against whom the allegation(s) of discrimination have been made, and their respective representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit information and documentation regarding the complaint allegations.
4. The investigation will be completed within a reasonable period of time. A written determination with respect to the results of the Affirmative Action Office’s investigation shall be issued and a copy forwarded to the complainant within ninety (90) workdays of the receipt of the complaint.
5. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the complaint if dissatisfied with the determination of the Affirmative Action Office. The request for reconsideration shall be made within seven (7) workdays of the complainant’s receipt of the written determination and shall be submitted to the affirmative Action Director, Bonnie P. Ortiz, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802. The Director will make a final determination and inform the complainant within seven workdays of the Director’s receipt of the request for reconsideration.
6. The complainant shall be informed of the right to file a complaint with the appropriate state or federal agency. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint submitted hereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other external remedies nor shall the use of this internal grievance procedure be a prerequisite to other external remedies.

Retaliation against a person who files a complaint of discrimination, participates in an investigation, or opposes a discriminatory employment or educational practice or policy is prohibited under University policy, and by state and federal law.

Complaints related to services rendered and/or the health or wellness needs of students may be submitted in writing to the Operations Manager and/or the Co-directors. The Operations Manager and/or the Co-directors will address the concern, contact the individual and complete a Risk Management Form on the complaint. Follow-through with the complaint will follow policy CO800.