Formal Complaint

 

Formal Complaint Resolution

The purpose of formal complaint resolution is to investigate complaints of unlawful or prohibited discrimination and to facilitate a formal resolution of the complaint based on a determination or finding of a violation of the University's policy on non-discrimination and/or the University's policy prohibiting sexual harassment.

The procedure for formal complaints calls for prompt review followed by action intended to prevent any unlawful or prohibited discrimination. The formal complaint resolution process may result in disciplinary action.

Filing a Complaint: Complaints of unlawful or prohibited discrimination, including complaints of sexual harassment, should be filed up to 180 days after the alleged act or behavior. It is in the best interest of all, however, to conduct a timely review of the circumstances of the alleged discriminatory act or behavior; accordingly, complainants are urged to file complaints as soon as possible. Therefore, individuals who have complaints of unlawful or prohibited discrimination, including complaints of sexual harassment, are encouraged to come forward.

Formal complaints against University employees are normally filed with the Director of Social Equity or the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Faculty Relations.

Formal complaints against University students are normally handled through the student judicial process. Formal complaints against University students, however, also should be reported to the Office of Social Equity. A report shall be made to the Dean of Student Life or his/her designee who will inform the complaining individual about the student judicial process.

Formal complaints against the University President or any member of the President's Executive Council should be filed with the Office of the Chancellor.

  1. Form of Complaint: We strongly encourage that complaints be in writing in order to ensure accuracy. Any person may use the complaint form provided in this policy to file a complaint. Unsigned written or anonymous complaints will be addressed and investigated as warranted; however, they may have limited merit because of the inability to adequately investigate.

A complainant may use the form contained in the Appendix of this policy. The form, however, must be signed and dated by the complainant.

  1. Investigatory Reviews: Investigatory reviews into allegations of unlawful or prohibited discrimination, including sexual harassment, against employees are normally conducted by the Director of Social Equity or the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Faculty Relations.
  2. Allegations of prohibited or unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment, against students are handled through the Dean of Student Life and the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.

Contact Us

Social Equity Investigator
213 Reeder Hall
219 Meadville Street
Edinboro, PA 16444
Email: equalopportunity@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-2167
Fax: 814-732-2153

Andrew Matt, JD
Title IX Coordinator & Investigator
213 Reeder Hall
Email: amatt@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-1564