Complaint of Discrimination: An allegation of different treatment, whether intended or unintended, based on race, color, disability, national origin, age, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status. Informal Complaint: The process of gathering information either to help establish a suspicion of discrimination or to attempt to resolve a disagreement without following a formal complaint process. Formal Complaint: The process of investigating a case of alleged discrimination and making a determination as to whether or not discrimination occurred and, where appropriate, providing a resolution to the complaint. Non-Retaliation: An individual filing a complaint of discrimination in good faith shall not be subjected to any form of retaliation by the University. An individual may file a complaint alleging retaliation.
Who May File? Students, employees, applicants for employment, and others, where appropriate. Procedure:
- The complainant completes the "Complaint of Discrimination or Harassment" form; the Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity (OAAEO) advises the complainant of her/his rights to file with state and/or federal agencies.
- The OAAEO may notify the appropriate administrator, Dean, or Director that an informal complaint has been initiated.
- The OAAEO contacts the individual/entity (respondent) accused of discrimination to discuss the alleged harmful act.
- The OAAEO develops a proposed resolution, if appropriate, within fifteen (15) calendar days of acceptance of the informal complaint. If appropriate, the complainant is advised that they may file a formal complaint.
- The OAAEO may notify the appropriate administrator, Dean, or Director of the final status of the complaint.
Who May File? Students and student employees (undergraduate and graduate). Procedure:
- The complainant completes the "Complaint of Discrimination or Harassment" form. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged harmful act or within 365 days if the complaint alleges sexual harassment.
- The OAAEO acknowledges in writing the receipt of the formal complaint; the letter includes information on the complainant's right to file with state and/or federal agencies. Copies of the letter are sent to the respondent, the appropriate administrator, Dean, or Director, the University legal advisor, and the Chancellor of the Oregon University System.
- The OAAEO conducts a thorough investigation of the complaint.
- Within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the formal complaint, the OAAEO shall inform the complainant and all persons copied in #2 above of the final status and a resolution, where appropriate. The 30-day period may be extended for an additional 30 days with the approval of the Chancellor. The letter of determination identifies the available appeal procedures for the complaint.
Students may appeal a decision to the Chancellor's Office in a written format within two weeks of the determination.