Grievance Procedure
The first step in resolving a potential issue related to academic accommodation or accessibility for a student is to communicate concerns directly to the responsible Longwood University official (instructor, staff, or administrator). The student should communicate with the particular person/office as soon as possible in writing the issue and the resolution that they seek.
In the event that concerns related to academic accommodation or accessibility is not resolved after the student directly communicates with the person/office and a student wishes to file a complaint, they shall submit a written grievance to the Director of Accessibility Resources within 30 calendar days of the event(s) triggering the grievance.
The written grievance must include:
- A clear statement of the disability-related complaint related to academic accommodation, accessibility, or discrimination
- The date of any action which the student is appealing
- A summary of the action(s) that the student has taken to resolve the matter
- Documentation that supports the grievance and request for accommodation
Contact:
Madeline Schutt, M.S.
Director, Accessibility Resources
Brock Hall
(434)395-2392
schuttmb@longwood.edu
If the grievance relates to the Director of Accessibility Resources, the student shall submit a written grievance to the Dean of Students who will follow the same procedures as the Director in the process below.
Contact:
Dean of Students
Eason Hall
(434)395-2492
DOS@longwood.edu
Process
The Director of Accessibility Resources will meet with the student within five (5) business days upon receipt of the grievance to gather data and attempt resolution. At the request of the student, the director will review the complaint, clarify information, and may speak with all involved parties in order to seek to resolve the matter.
The Director will notify the student and all involved parties of the outcome via Longwood email (the official form of communication) within ten (10) business days of receiving the complaint or as soon as it is reasonable.
Appeals
If the student does not agree with the Director’s decision, the student may appeal to the Dean of Students. The student must include a written statement of the reason for appealing the Director’s decision, and the original written grievance, and submit this information within five (5) business days of the emailed outcome.
If the original grievance relates to the Director of Accessibility Resources, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs who will follow the same procedures as the Dean of Students in the process below.
The Dean of Students will review the appeal, collect information from all parties as needed, and will notify the student within ten (10) business days of receipt of the appeal from the student of their final decision. The Dean of Students’ decision is final.