The following is a brief summary of the University Grievance policy and procedures. This summary does not cover or address all aspects of the grievance or appeal rights that an employee may have. Details regarding grievances or appeals are in University policy, HR1.42, Grievance. All questions regarding grievances should be directed to the Employee Relations Office.

Employees have a right to receive a fair review of employment-related complaints in accordance with state law and regulations of the State Office of Human Resources. Adverse employment actions that may be grieved or appealed include terminations, suspensions, involuntary reassignments, and demotions. For a complete listing of grievable and non-grievable actions refer to the University policy, HR1.42, Grievance.

All employees considering filing a grievance are encouraged to contact the Employee Relations Office for procedural advice and assistance. The grievance and appeal processes involve strict time limits. An employee must initiate a grievance in writing with the University within 14 calendar days of the effective date of the employment action.

In the event an employee decides to file a grievance, the process requires that both the employee and the reviewing officials adhere to specific procedures and time-frames as outlined in the USC Grievance Policy. There are two steps in the internal grievance process that involve various reviewing officials as follows:

• Step 1
  The Step 1 reviewing official is the University’s Vice President for Human Resources.  He will review the grievance to determine if the matter is grievable.  If it is not, he will issue a final decision to the grievant. If the grievance meets requirements, the VP for HR will forward the grievance to the appropriate VP, Chancellor, Dean or other official who will review the information and record, meet with the employee if needed and issue a decision to uphold, modify or reject the action taken against the employee.

• Step 2
  The Step 2 reviewing official is the President of the University.   If the grievant is dissatisfied with the step 1 decision, he may write the President of the University who will convene a panel of University employees to review the matter.  When they conclude their review, they will issue a recommendation to the President to uphold, modify or reject the action taken against the employee. The President may accept the recommendation of the panel in whole or in part and will issue the final University decision to the grievant.   The President will notify both parties of the final decision.

If the grievant is dissatisfied with the President’s final decision he may appeal it to the State Human Resources Director consistent with filing requirements as outlined in the USC grievance policy.

The Division of Human Resources will provide procedural information to both parties, arrange for the selection of the panel, schedule hearings, and prepare and reproduce records and documents to the reviewing officials and the panel.