Commitment Statement
Emmanuel College is dedicated to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment for all community members. Discrimination and harassment based on disability are not only unlawful but are also contrary to the College’s mission to ensure accessibility and equity. This policy provides a framework for addressing grievances related to disability discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide all members of the Emmanuel College community—students, employees, and visitors—with clear options to address concerns related to disability discrimination, including:
- Disagreement with decisions made in response to a request for accommodation.
- Failure to implement agreed-upon accommodations, the quality or timeliness of accommodations, or other concerns related to accommodations.
- Alleged acts of disability-based harassment or discrimination.
- Barriers to participation in academics, programs, or other college activities.
- Retaliation related to participation in the grievance process.
Retaliation Prohibited
Emmanuel College strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a grievance, participates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. Acts of retaliation will result in disciplinary action.
Commitment to Accessibility
Emmanuel College will continue to review and update its policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to foster an accessible and equitable environment for all members of its community.
Academic Accommodation Appeal Procedures
In many cases, concerns can be resolved quickly and informally. Individuals are encouraged to contact the appropriate offices in order to have discussions with relevant parties, make adjustments to accommodations, or implement other remedial measures. Informal resolutions must be initiated within 30 days of the incident or concern.
Contact: Wendy LaBron, Assistant Dean of the Academic Resource Center, labronw [at] emmanuel.edu (labronw[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
If an informal resolution is unsuccessful or inappropriate, individuals may file a formal grievance by submitting a written complaint to the appropriate office.
Formal complaints must be filed within 30 days of the alleged violation.
Contact: Wendy LaBron, Assistant Dean of the Academic Resource Center, labronw [at] emmanuel.edu (labronw[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
The grievance must include:
- Complainant’s name and contact information.
- A detailed description of the alleged discriminatory action, including dates, locations, and individuals involved.
- Relevant supporting materials, including additional substantiating documentation for review.
- The remedy or resolution sought.
The designated office will conduct an impartial investigation, which may include reviewing submitted documentation, interviewing the complainant and relevant witnesses, reviewing past accommodations and communications. A written determination of findings and proposed resolutions will be provided within 30 business days of receiving the grievance.
Housing and Non-Academic Accommodation Appeal Procedures
In many cases, concerns can be resolved quickly and informally. Individuals are encouraged to contact the appropriate offices in order to have discussions with relevant parties, make adjustments to accommodations, or implement other remedial measures. Informal resolutions must be initiated within 30 days of the incident or concern.
For students found eligible and offered a housing accommodation, but have placement or facility concerns, contact Andy Anderson, Director of Operations in Residence Life, (andersona4 [at] emmanuel.edu (andersona4[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)) for potential options. If an informal resolution is unsuccessful or inappropriate, individuals may file a formal grievance by submitting a written complaint to the appropriate office detailed below.
For students found ineligible for a requested housing accommodation: contact Wendy LaBron, Assistant Dean of the Academic Resource Center (labronw [at] emmanuel.edu (labronw[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)), and Dr. Kristen Pierce, Dean of Students (piercek2 [at] emmanuel.edu (piercek2[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)).
Formal complaints must be filed within 30 days of the alleged violation.
Contact: Kristen Pierce, Dean of Students, piercek2 [at] emmanuel.edu (piercek2[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
The grievance must include:
- Complainant’s name and contact information.
- A detailed description of the alleged discriminatory action, including dates, locations, and individuals involved.
- Relevant supporting materials, including additional substantiating documentation for review.
- The remedy or resolution sought.
The designated office will conduct an impartial investigation, which may include reviewing submitted documentation, interviewing the complainant and relevant witnesses, reviewing past accommodations and communications. A written determination of findings and proposed resolutions will be provided within 30 business days of receiving the grievance.
Employment or Public Access Appeal Procedures
In many cases, concerns can be resolved quickly and informally. Individuals are encouraged to contact the appropriate offices in order to have discussions with relevant parties, make adjustments to accommodations, or implement other remedial measures. Informal resolutions must be initiated within 30 days of the incident or concern.
Contact: Scott Lerner, Director of Human Resources, lernersc [at] emmanuel.edu (lernersc[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
If an informal resolution is unsuccessful or inappropriate, individuals may file a formal grievance by submitting a written complaint to the appropriate office.
Formal complaints must be filed within 30 days of the alleged violation.
Contact: Scott Lerner, Director of Human Resources, lernersc [at] emmanuel.edu (lernersc[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
The grievance must include:
- Complainant’s name and contact information.
- A detailed description of the alleged discriminatory action, including dates, locations, and individuals involved.
- Relevant supporting materials, including additional substantiating documentation for review.
- The remedy or resolution sought.
The designated office will conduct an impartial investigation, which may include reviewing submitted documentation, interviewing the complainant and relevant witnesses, reviewing past accommodations and communications. A written determination of findings and proposed resolutions will be provided within 30 business days of receiving the grievance.
Second-Level Appeal Procedures
Second-level appeals will be reviewed, and a final determination will be issued within 15 business days.
Contact: Dr. Peter Cahn, Vice President of Academic Affairs, cahnp [at] emmanuel.edu (cahnp[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Second-level appeals will be reviewed, and a final determination will be issued within 15 business days.
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Forry, Vice President of Student Affairs, forryj [at] emmanuel.edu (forryj[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)
Second-level appeals will be reviewed, and a final determination will be issued within 15 business days.
Contact: Erin Farmer Noonan, Vice President of Human Resources, farmer [at] emmanuel.edu (farmer[at]emmanuel[dot]edu)