Grievance Policy and Formal Complaint Process | Academic Catalog | Academic Catalog and Student Handbook | Registration & Admission | Graduate Education (2024)

A grievance is a claim that action has been taken that involves a student, staff, faculty, or administration member’s status or the specific terms or conditions of employment or academic study and which is believed to be inconsistent with the International Institute for Restorative Practices’ (the IIRP’s) policies and procedures, or a perceived circ*mstance of discrimination, harassment, or inequity.

The IIRP, consistent with its name and mission, will use restorative processes, whenever possible, in dealing with wrongdoing and conflict among students, staff, faculty, and administration. Restorative processes focus on repairing the harm done by conflict and wrongdoing. They are usually held in a circle format and provide every person with an opportunity to be heard and to express feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

Restorative processes bring together those who have been affected by an incident. When there are identifiable wrongdoers and victims, those individuals have the choice of participating voluntarily. Furthermore, their colleagues, optionally their friends and family members (depending upon the nature of the incident), and others in the institution who have been affected are also invited to come together to resolve the emotional consequences of the incident and to have a say in how the conflict or wrongdoing might be handled.

There may be instances where the nature of the grievance is such that the use of restorative processes may not be appropriate according to the sole discretion of the IIRP’s President, who may confer with other professionals, including legal counsel and/or mental health professionals.

In the event the grievance is against the Director of Human Resources, the contact should be directed to the President throughout the outlined process. If the grievance is against the President, it should be directed to the Board of Trustees Chair throughout the outlined process.

Steps for the Grievance Resolution Process

Step 1
If possible, concerns that result in a grievance should first be addressed through discussions or a restorative circle. If a solution is reached, it should be put in writing, signed and dated by both parties, and provided to the Director of Human Resources within ten (10) business days, via email or hardcopy.

Step 2
If, after attempting resolution in Step 1, no solution is reached, the aggrieved party or parties may appeal the issue in writing within ten (10) business days to the Director of Human Resources via email or hardcopy. The Director of Human Resources must respond to the grievance in writing within ten (10) business days, beginning the business day following receipt of the written appeal.

Step 3
If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the outcome of Step 2, they may appeal to the President, who will respond in writing within ten (10) business days beginning the business day following receipt of the written appeal. The President’s response is the final step within the organization.

Reporting Violations of the Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Stalking Policy

Reports, including anonymous reports, may be submitted online at any time using the reporting button. Reports go directly to the Associate Dean for Administration.

Report an Incident

Civil Rights Violation

In the case of an alleged violation of Civil Rights, the complaint may be brought directly to the Office for Civil Rights:

General Complaint or Grievance

• Initial Contact
  Consult with the appropriate faculty or staff member.

  or

  Jamie Kaintz
  Dean of Student Services
  531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
  610-798-1300

• Escalated Contact
  Michael Valdez Raffanti, Ed.D., Provost
  531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
  215-416-3723

  or

  Melissa Ash, Associate Dean of Administration
  531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
  484-523-2688

Americans with Disabilities Act

• Melissa Ash, Associate Dean of Administration
  610-807-9221

Appeal of a Grade

• Initial Contact:
  Consult with faculty member
• Escalated Contact:
  Michael Valdez Raffanti, Ed.D., Provost
  531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
  215-416-3723

FERPA compliance (privacy of student records)

• Dean of Student Services
  Jamie Kaintz
  610-807-9221

Student Right to Know and Campus Security

• Melissa Ash, Associate Dean of Administration
  610-807-9221

Should you have exhausted all avenues to resolve an issue informally and wish to file an official complaint, that complaint must be submitted in writing to:

• General Complaint or Grievance
  Melissa Ash, Associate Dean of Administration
  531 Main Street
  Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837
• Americans with Disabilities Act
  Melissa Ash, Associate Dean of Administration
  531 Main Street
  Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837
• FERPA compliance (privacy of student records.)
  Family Policy Compliance Office
  U.S. Department of Education
  600 Independence Avenue, S.W.
  Washington, DC 20202-4605
• Grade Appeal Provost
  Craig Adamson, Ph.D.
  531 Main Street
  Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837
• Student Right to Know and Campus Security
  Melissa Ash, Associate Dean of Administration
  531 Main Street
  Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837