UCLA

This procedure is currently under review, and the revised version will be published on the Administrative Policies & Procedures Web site when that review has been completed. It remains in effect, although sections pertaining to disability grievances only will now follow UCLA Procedure 230.2.  

I. REFERENCES 

1. University of California Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students: Section 20.00 (Policy on Nondiscrimination); Section 102.09; Section 140.00 (Guidelines Applying to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability); Section 150.00 (Student-Related Policy Applying to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex); and Appendix C (Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters);
    
2. UCLA Academic Senate Manual: Chapter I, Section 4, Grades;
    
3. UCLA Academic Senate Manual: Appendix VI - Appeals;
    
4. UCLA Academic Senate Manual: Appendix XII - Faculty Code of Conduct Implementing Procedures;
    
5. UC Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence.

II. PURPOSE & APPLICABILITY

The purpose of this procedure is to enable the resolution of Student grievances alleging violations of Anti-Discrimination Laws or of University policies against discrimination based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, alienage, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veterans status, physical or mental disability, or perceived membership in any of these classifications which result in injuries to the Student. 

This procedure does not apply to academic decisions regarding admission, grading and evaluation, and dismissal. For campus procedures regarding Student complaints on grading, evaluation, admission, and dismissal, see procedures referenced in Section I., #2., 3., and 4., above. Students in the Schools of Law, Dentistry, and Medicine should refer to procedures adopted by their respective School.

III. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Procedure, the following definitions shall apply:

Anti-Discrimination Laws

1. Title IX - The Education Amendments of 1972 and Federal Regulations promulgated thereunder prohibiting discrimination based on sex in University educational programs and activities;
    
2. Section 504 - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Federal Regulations promulgated thereunder prohibiting discrimination based on disability in all University programs and activities;
    
3. Title VI - The Civil Rights Act of 1964 under which Title VI prohibits racial and ethnic discrimination in all University programs and activities; and
    
4. Title II – Subtitle A of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Federal Regulations promulgated thereunder prohibiting discrimination based on disability in all University services, programs, and activities.

Days refers to calendar days.

Hearing Coordinator means the campus official responsible for the scheduling and coordination of grievance hearings.

Preponderance of Evidence means more likely than not.

Student means a person who is currently enrolled at a campus of the University of California or, during the recess period between quarters or the summer period, one who has completed the immediately preceding term and is eligible for re-enrollment, or one who was enrolled at the time of the alleged infraction.

IV.   STATEMENT

The University is committed to a policy against legally impermissible, arbitrary, or unreasonable discriminatory practices.  All groups under the aegis of the University of California, including, but not limited to, administration, faculty, student governments, University-owned residence halls, and programs sponsored by the University are governed by this policy of non-discrimination. The intent of the University’s policy on non-discrimination is to reflect fully the spirit of the law. In carrying out this policy, the University also shall be sensitive to the existence of past and continuing societal discrimination.

The following statement, or similar wording, is contained in a variety of campus publications (such as those referenced above):

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

V. PROCEDURES

A. Consultation

Students who believe that the University or any administrative subdivision or employee thereof has acted in violation of Anti-Discrimination Law or the University’s policies against discrimination, and that such action has resulted in injuries, must attempt to resolve the matter informally within thirty (30) Days of the time at which the Student could have been reasonably expected to have knowledge of the alleged violation or, if the violation occurs at the end of an academic quarter or semester, within thirty (30) Days of the beginning of the succeeding academic quarter or semester.  The Student should seek such resolution directly with the affected unit.

B. Informal Resolution 

1. If the matter remains unresolved after the Student has sought resolution directly with the affected unit, the Student should consult with the Office of the Dean of Students. The Dean will investigate the matter and attempt to bring about an informal resolution.
    
2. If the matter cannot be informally resolved within thirty (30) Days, the Dean will provide the Student with copies of University antidiscrimination policies and this procedure, will counsel the Student about the grievance process, and will advise the Student to file a formal grievance.

Note:  With the agreement of all parties, an informal resolution of the complaint may still be effected after the filing of a formal grievance.

C. Formal Grievance

In the event that informal resolution is not successful, the Student must file a formal grievance with the campus Hearing Coordinator.  Formal grievances must be filed within thirty (30) Days of the time at which the Student could be reasonably expected to have knowledge of the alleged violation or, when the violation occurs at the end of an academic quarter or semester, within thirty (30) Days of the beginning of the succeeding academic quarter or semester.

Delays/Extensions

Reasonable extensions of time, with respect to any time limit in these procedures, may be granted by the hearing officer, the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, or the Chancellor for good cause.