Grievance Policies and Procedures for SHRA Employees
Initially approved: June 3, 2013
Revised and effective as interim policy: February 1, 2016
Revised and effective upon notice: March 2, 2016
Revised and effective upon notice: May 1, 2017
Policy Topic: Personnel
Administering Office: Office of Human Resources and Payroll
I. Policy
It is the policy of the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Western Carolina University
(WCU or the University) to ensure that a grievance process exists to allow for prompt,
fair and orderly resolution of grievances of employees subject to the State Human
Resources Act. WCU has therefore adopted this policy consistent and in accordance
with policies approved by UNC and the State Human Resources Commission.
II. SCOPE/APPLICATION AND OBJECTIVES OF POLICY
This policy applies to all WCU employees who are subject to the State Human Resources
Act ( SHRA employees). In adopting this policy, the University seeks to achieve the following
objectives: (1) provide procedural consistency across UNC; (2) ensure SHRA employees
have access to an internal process to address grievable issues timely, fairly, cost
effectively, and without fear of reprisal; and (3) resolve workplace issues efficiently
and effectively.
III. DEFINITIONS
“applicant” means a person, including a current state employee, who submits an application for
an initial hire, promotion or reemployment for a SHRA position within the University.
“career state employee” means a state employee who is in a permanent position with a permanent appointment
and has been continuously employed by the State of North Carolina or a local entity
as provided in G.S. 126-5(a)(2) in a position subject to the North Carolina Human
Resources Act for the immediate 12 preceding months. Employees who are hired by a
state agency, department or university in a sworn law enforcement position and who
are required to complete a formal training program prior to assuming law enforcement
duties with the hiring agency, department or university shall become career state
employees only after being employed by the agency, department or university for 24
continuous months.
“complainant” for purposes of Section V of this policy only, means an applicant, probationary state
employee, former probationary state employee, career state employee or former career
state employee who initiates an informal complaint through the EEO Informal Inquiry
process under Section V.
“contested case issue” means a grievable issue that may be appealed to the State Office of Administrative
Hearings (“ OAH”)
“EEO/AA Officer” means the University official who is responsible for Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative
Action programs, specifically including the administration of University Policy #53.
The University EEO/AA Officer may be reached at (828) 227-7116 and the office is located
in 520 HFR Administration Building.
“Equal Employment Opportunity Informal Inquiry” (“EEO Informal Inquiry”) means an informal process for addressing unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
allegations that may facilitate a resolution prior to the filing of a grievance.
“final University decision” means the final decision authorized by the Chancellor that concludes the University
internal grievance process.
"grievable issue" means a statutorily defined workplace event or action as defined by NC State statute
that allows the alleged workplace event or action to be grieved through established
grievance procedures for resolution.
“grievant” means an applicant, probationary State employee, former probationary State employee,
career State employee or former career State employee who initiates a grievance.
"hearing officer" means an officer appointed by the Chancellor or designee to oversee the proceedings
of a hearing and submit a proposed recommendation for a final University decision.
“hearing panel” means a University-appointed panel of no fewer than 3 members selected to conduct
a hearing. The designated panel chair has the responsibility to oversee the proceedings
of the hearing and submit a proposed recommendation for a final University decision.
“impasse” an impasse occurs when mediation does not result in an agreement.
“informal discussion” means an informal process for addressing grievable issues that may facilitate a resolution
prior to the filing of a grievance.
“internal grievance process” means the process available to an applicant, probationary state employee, former
probationary state employee, career state employee or former career state employee
to file a formal grievance based on issues that are defined as grievable by the State
Human Resources Act.
“internal grievance process timeframe” means the 90 calendar day timeframe within which the University internal grievance
process must be completed. Time spent in the informal discussion with supervisor and
the EEO Informal Inquiry process is not included in the 90-calendar day timeframe.
“mediation” means the process in which the grievant and respondent use an approved Office of
State Human Resources (“ OSHR”) mediator to attempt to resolve a grievance in a mutually acceptable manner. Responsibility
for resolving the grievance rests with the parties.
“mediation agreement” means the written agreement resulting from the successful resolution of a grievance
reached in mediation. The mediation agreement is legally binding on both parties.
“mediator” means the neutral third party(s) approved by OSHR whose role is to guide the mediation
process, facilitate communication, and assist the parties to generate and evaluate
possible outcomes for a successful resolution. A mediator does not act as a judge
and does not render decisions.
“probationary state employee” is a state employee who is exempt from the provisions of the North Carolina Human
Resources Act only because the employee has not been continuously employed by the
state for the time period required to become a career state employee.
“respondent” means a designated University representative who will have the authority to negotiate
an agreement on behalf of the University to resolve a grievance.
IV. GRIEVABLE ISSUES & ELIGIBLE GRIEVANTS
A. University Level Grievances
The following issues may be grieved at the University level only.
1. Career state employee or former career state employee
- Overall performance rating of less than "meets expectations" or equivalent as defined
in the University performance management policy
- Denial of request to remove inaccurate and misleading information from personnel or
applicant file (excludes the contents of a performance appraisal and written disciplinary
action)
- Items covered in the University's AA/EEO statement which promote inclusion and diversity,
but not within the definition of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
as contained in NCGS 126-34.02 (b) (1) and (2)
2. Probationary or former probationary employee
- Denial of request to remove inaccurate and misleading information from personnel or
applicant file (excludes the contents of a performance appraisal and written disciplinary
action)
- Items covered in the University's AA/EEO statement which promote inclusion and diversity,
but not within the definition of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
as contained in NCGS 126-34.02 (b) (1) and (2)
3. Applicant for University employment (initial hire, promotion, or reemployment)
- Denial of request to remove inaccurate and misleading information from applicant file
(excludes the contents of a performance appraisal and written disciplinary action)
- Items covered in the University's AA/EEO statement which promote inclusion and diversity,
but not within the definition of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
as contained in NCGS 126-34.02 (b) (1) and (2)
B. University and OAH Level Grievances
The following issues must first be grieved through the internal University process.
If the grievant is not satisfied with the final University decision, the grievant
may appeal to OAH.
1. Career state employee or former career state employee
- Dismissal, demotion or suspension without pay for disciplinary reasons without just
cause
- Involuntary non-disciplinary separation due to unavailability
- All issues listed below which are grievable by a probationary or former probationary
employee
- All issues listed below which are grievable by an applicant for University employment
- Denial of reemployment or hiring due to denial of reduction-in-force priority as required
by law (NCGS 126-7.1)
- Denial of promotional opportunity due to failure to give priority consideration for
promotion to a career state employee as required by law (NCGS 126-7.1)
2. Probationary state employee or former probationary state employee
- Denial of hiring or promotional opportunity due to failure to post position (unless
hiring opportunity is not required to be posted by law)
- Denial of veteran's preference as provided for by law
- Any retaliatory personnel action for reporting improper government activities ("whistle
blower") as set forth in NCGS Chapter 126, Article 14
- Unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin,
sex, age, disability, genetic information, or political affiliation if the employee
believes that he or she has been discriminated against in the terms and conditions
of employment
- Retaliation against an employee for protesting (objecting to or supporting another
person's objection to) unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, color, national
origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or political affiliation if the
employee believes that he or she has been retaliated against in the terms and conditions
of employment
3. Applicant for University employment (initial hire, promotion, or reemployment)
- Denial of hiring or promotional opportunity due to failure to post position (unless
hiring opportunity is not required to be posted by law)
- Denial of veteran's preference as provided for by law
- Unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin,
sex, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, if the applicant
believes that he or she has been discriminated against in his or her application for
employment
- Retaliation for protesting (objecting to or supporting another person's objection
to) unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex,
age, disability, genetic information, or political affiliation if the applicant believes
that he or she has been retaliated against in his or her application of employment
V. UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT OR RETALIATION GRIEVANCE PROVISIONS
Any grievance or complaint that alleges unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation
shall be addressed and completed through the University EEO Informal Inquiry process
before being considered in the formal internal grievance process.
A. Option 1 - EEO Informal Inquiry Process for Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment
or Retaliation
An applicant for state employment, probationary state employee, former probationary
state employee, career state employee or former career state employee alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation shall first file a complaint with the University EEO/AA Officer within 15 calendar days of the
alleged discriminatory, harassment or retaliatory act that is the basis of the complaint. If the complainant alleges facts that would constitute unlawful discrimination,
harassment, or retaliation as prohibited by law, the complaint will be investigated
as a part of the EEO Informal Inquiry process. The EEO/AA Officer will investigate
the complaint and determine if the facts related to the allegations support a finding
of reasonable cause or no reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination,
harassment or retaliation occurred.
The University has 45 calendar days from receipt of the complaint to investigate and
respond to the complainant, unless the complainant and the employer mutually agree
in writing to extend the time due to occurrences that are unavoidable or beyond the
control of either party. Any extension shall not exceed 15 calendar days.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the EEO/AA Officer shall communicate the outcome
of the investigation in writing to the complainant.
If there is reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination, harassment,
or retaliation occurred, management shall take appropriate action to resolve the matter.
If the complaint is successfully resolved, the complainant will sign a letter of agreement
with the University detailing the terms of the resolution. The University shall ensure
that the terms of the agreement under the control of the University are implemented.
If the complaint is not successfully resolved, then the complainant may continue the
process by filing a formal grievance within 15 calendar days of the written response
from the EEO Informal Inquiry process.
If the investigation results show no reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination,
harassment, or retaliation occurred, the EEO/AA Officer shall inform the complainant
in writing regarding the conclusions of the investigation. If the complainant disagrees with the conclusions of the investigation, the complainant
may file a formal grievance within 15 calendar days of receiving the conclusions of
the investigation, which will commence with Step 1 mediation.
At any point in the grievance process, the complainant has the right to bypass discussions
with or review by the alleged offender. Time spent in the EEO Informal Inquiry process
is not a part of the formal internal grievance process .
B. Option 2 - External Filing of a Discrimination Charge
The complainant alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation has the
right, at any time, to bypass or discontinue the EEO Informal Inquiry process or the
formal internal grievance process and file a charge directly with the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) . The complainant may not, however, file a contested case with OAH if the internal
process has not been completed. Filing deadlines may vary.
Information about filing an EEOC charge and deadlines for filing the charge can be
found at: http://www.eeoc.gov/employees/charge.cfm or by calling the EEOC regional offices located in Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte
at 1-800-669-4000.
Information about filing through the Civil Rights Division of OAH can be found at:
http://www.ncoah.com/civil/ or by calling 919-431-3036.
C. Option 3 – Simultaneous Internal and External Filing of a Discrimination Charge
An applicant for state employment, probationary state employee, former probationary
state employee, career state employee or former career state employee may file simultaneously
with the EEOC at any point in either the EEO Informal Inquiry process or the formal
internal grievance process.
VI. GRIEVANCE PROCESS FOR OTHER GRIEVABLE ISSUES
A grievance or complaint must be filed within 15 calendar days of the alleged event
or action that is the basis of the grievance . Except as provided herein, all other grievable issues must first be discussed with
the immediate or other appropriate supervisor in the employee's chain of command or
other appropriate personnel or agency or University that has jurisdiction regarding
the alleged event or action that is the basis of the grievance prior to filing a formal
grievance. Disciplinary action grievances as well as non-disciplinary separation due
to unavailability shall proceed directly to the formal internal grievance process.
Disciplinary action grievances (i.e., dismissal, suspension without pay, demotion)
that include both an allegation of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
and an allegation that the disciplinary action lacks just cause shall first be addressed
through the University EEO Informal Inquiry process before proceeding to the formal
internal grievance process. Likewise, a grievance that involves both a separation
due to unavailability and an allegation of unlawful discrimination, harassment or
retaliation shall first be addressed through the University EEO Informal Inquiry process
before proceeding to the formal internal grievance process. After the EEO Informal
Inquiry process is completed, all grievable issues remaining (including that an unresolved
disciplinary action lacks just cause or that an unresolved separation due to unavailability
was improper, and any unresolved allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment,
or retaliation) may be considered in the formal grievance process if pursued by the
employee in accordance with the procedures below.
A. Informal Discussion
A request for an informal discussion must occur within 15 calendar days of the alleged
event or action that is the basis of the grievance . Prior to filing a grievance about any issue which does not involve an allegation
of unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation, or a disciplinary action, or
a non-disciplinary separation due to unavailability, the employee shall first discuss
the grievable issue with the immediate supervisor, other appropriate supervisor in
the employee's chain of command, or other appropriate personnel or agency that has
jurisdiction regarding the alleged event or action that is the basis of the grievance.
The employee must clearly declare to the supervisor or other appropriate personnel
that the informal discussion request is regarding an alleged event or action that
is the basis of a potential grievance. The supervisor or other appropriate personnel
shall confirm the intention of the requested informal discussion with the employee
before beginning the process.
The informal process should be completed within a 15-calendar day timeframe. However,
if progress is being made toward a successful resolution to the dispute or if unavoidable
circumstances (e.g., illness or the academic calendar) require an extension in the
timeframe, both parties may agree to an extension. This extension must be agreed to
in writing and approved by the Office of Human Resources and Payroll (“ Human Resources”).
The supervisor or other appropriate personnel shall notify Human Resources when an
employee requests an informal discussion. The supervisor is responsible for attempting
to resolve the grievable issue with the employee.
Human Resources will serve as a content and procedural resource advisor during these
discussions, and work with both parties to strive for a timely resolution to the workplace
dispute. The outcome of the informal discussions must be clearly communicated to the
employee by the supervisor or other appropriate personnel in writing.
If the informal discussion is unsuccessful in resolving the grievable issue, the employee
may choose to file a formal grievance. If no written response is provided by the supervisor
within the 15-calendar day timeframe, the employee may proceed by filing a formal
grievance. Time spent in the informal discussion with supervisor is not a part of
the formal internal grievance process.
B. Formal Grievance - Step 1 - Mediation
The formal internal grievance process begins when a grievant files a formal grievance
request in accordance with this policy. The grievant must begin the formal internal
grievance process by filing a written grievance to the Associate Vice Chancellor for
Human Resources and Payroll or his/her designee. The grievant must complete the required
informal processes before filing a formal grievance.
The University, upon approval by OSHR, has the discretion to bypass Step 1 and proceed
directly to Step 2 in situations involving discipline for jeopardizing campus safety,
personal misconduct, or other similar egregious workplace issues. A decision to request
bypassing mediation must be approved by Human Resources and authorized by the Chancellor.
The decision to bypass Step 1 only occurs after careful consultation with parties
involved in the workplace dispute.
1. Purpose of Mediation
Mediation provides the grievant and the University respondent an opportunity to openly
discuss the grievance in a neutral environment with the goal of reaching a mutually
acceptable resolution.
2. Mediation Process
Human Resources shall submit the request for mediation within 3 business days of receipt of the grievance. The mediation process shall generally be concluded within
35 calendar days from the filing of the grievance unless the grievant and the University mutually
agree in writing to extend the time due to extenuating circumstances. Any extension
of Step 1 will not extend the 90-calendar day timeline.
3. Location and Time Allocation
Mediation shall be conducted at a location identified by the University and approved
by the OSHR Statewide Mediation Coordinator or his/her designee. The mediation shall
be scheduled for an amount of time determined by the mediator(s) to be sufficient.
Mediation may be recessed by the mediator(s) and reconvened at a later time.
4. Office of State Human Resources - Approved Mediators
Only OSHR-approved mediators will mediate SHRA employee grievances for the University.
OSHR will maintain a pool of qualified mediators to facilitate mediations. Mediators
will not be selected from the University requesting the mediation.
5. Permitted Mediation Attendees
The following persons are permitted to attend the mediation: (1) grievant; (2) respondent
for the University; (3) the OSHR-appointed mediator(s); and (4) the OSHR Statewide
Mediation Coordinator and designees may attend as observers.
The emergency substitution of a mediator must be approved by the OSHR Statewide Mediation
Coordinator or his/her designee.
Attorneys and other advisors may not attend the mediation. Either the grievant or
respondent may ask for a recess at any time in order to consult with an attorney or
other advisor.
Audiotape, videotape, recording devices, and transmission devices are not permitted
during mediation.
6. Post-Mediation
If an agreement is reached, the following shall occur:
- The grievant and the respondent will sign a legally binding mediation agreement that
states the terms of agreement.
- The original signed mediation agreement is provided to Human Resources, with copies
provided to the grievant, the respondent, and the OSHR Statewide Mediation Coordinator.
- Human Resources will review the provisions of the mediation agreement to assure that
the terms comply with the State Human Resources Commission policies or rules, University
policies or rules, UNC policies or rules, and applicable state or federal law.
- Human Resources will ensure that terms of the mediation agreement that are under the
control of the University are implemented.
- The mediation agreement shall be maintained in Human Resources for 3 years.
If there is an impasse, the following shall occur:
- The grievant and the respondent will sign a notice of impasse stating that the mediation
did not result in an agreement.
- The original signed notice of impasse is provided to Human Resources, with copies
provided to the grievant, the respondent, and the OSHR Statewide Mediation Coordinator.
- At the end of mediation, the University must provide the grievant information regarding
Step 2 of the internal grievance process and inform the grievant that the Step 2 filing
must be received by the University within 5 calendar days of the date of mediation.
- The notice of impasse shall be maintained in Human Resources for 3 years or until
any known litigation is completed.
7. Confidentiality of Documents Produced in Mediation
All documents generated during the course of mediation and any communications shared
in connection with mediation are confidential to the extent provided by law.
8. Terms of Mediation Agreement
The mediation agreement:
- Shall serve as a written record
- Shall not contain any provision(s) contrary to State Human Resources Commission policies
or rules, University policies or rules, UNC policies or rules or applicable state
and federal law
- Shall not contain any provision(s) that exceeds the scope of the parties' authority
- Shall not be transferable to another state agency or UNC constituent institution
When mediation resolves a grievance but it is determined upon review by Human Resources
or OSHR that one or more provisions of the mediation agreement do not comply with
the State Human Resources Commission policies or rules, University policies or rules,
UNC policies or rules or applicable state or federal laws mediation shall be reconvened
to resolve the specific issue(s). This will not extend the 90- calendar day formal
grievance period. If the parties are unable to resolve the noncompliance issue(s),
the mediation will reach impasse and the grievant may proceed to Step 2 of the internal
grievance process.
Should additional information or clarification be needed to implement the terms of
the mediation agreement, communication with all parties may occur remotely. In the
event the mediator is not available, the OSHR mediation director or designee will
have the authority to stand in place of the mediator in these communications.
9. Mediation Agreement Approval
The approval of the director of OSHR or designee is required for mediation agreements
that need a personnel transaction to be processed, except where the only personnel
action is the substitution of resignation for dismissal. If a mediation agreement
involves an exception to State Human Resources Commission policy, the approval of
the director of the OSHR or designee is required.
10. Grievant Responsibilities at Mediation
- Attending the mediation as scheduled by the University
- Preparing for the mediation by being able to communicate clear and concise information
regarding the issues surrounding the grievance and the remedies sought
- Notifying and receiving approval from Human Resources, in advance of the scheduled
mediation, if occurrences that are unavoidable or beyond the control of the grievant
prevent attendance at the mediation
- Making a good faith effort to resolve the grievance
A Grievant who has an unexcused failure to attend mediation as scheduled forfeits
the right to proceed with the internal grievance process.
11. Respondent Responsibilities at Mediation
- Attending the mediation as scheduled by the University
- Preparing for the mediation by becoming knowledgeable regarding the issues surrounding
the grievance and remedies sought
- Notifying and receiving approval from University Human Resources, in advance of the
scheduled mediation, if occurrences that are unavoidable or beyond the control of
the respondent prevent attendance at the mediation
- Consulting with management, Human Resources and/or legal counsel regarding possible
areas of negotiation for grievance resolution
- Making a good faith effort to resolve the grievance.
12. University Human Resources Responsibilities at Mediation
- Administering the mediation program within the University
- Appointing a University mediation coordinator and other personnel as needed to manage
and schedule mediations
- Ensuring that the grievant receives appropriate information about the mediation process
- Designating a qualified and informed University representative to serve as the respondent
for each mediation and who will have the authority to negotiate an agreement on behalf
of the University that resolves the grievance
- Ensuring that the respondent is adequately prepared for the mediation to understand
possible areas of negotiation for grievance resolution
- Ensuring appropriate personnel (management, Human Resources or University legal counsel)
are available to respond to any issues that may arise during the course of the mediation
- Designating appropriate personnel to be available to review the terms of the draft
agreement to ensure it is complete and contains the necessary information for implementation
- Reinforce the expectations for confidentiality of the mediation
- Identifying suitable locations for mediation
- Using only OSHR-approved mediator(s) for each mediation
- Reimbursing mediators for travel at state-approved rates
- Providing nominees for consideration that meet the qualifications set forth by OSHR
to be trained as OSHR mediators
- Assuming financial responsibility for the initial and ongoing training of University
nominated mediators
13. OSHR Responsibilities at Mediation
- Developing and maintaining mediation procedures and forms
- Establishing mediator eligibility and training requirements
- Maintaining a pool of qualified mediators
- Providing employment mediation training
- Maintaining a process for assigning mediators upon University request
- Ensuring that mediators adhere to the OSHR mediator code of conduct
- Conducting ongoing studies/analyses to evaluate program effectiveness
C. Formal Grievance - Step 2 – Hearing
1. Request for Hearing - Timeframes
If mediation does not result in a resolution at Step 1, the grievant has the ability
to proceed to Step 2 of the internal grievance process. Human Resources will notify
the grievant of the opportunity to present the grievance orally to a hearing panel/hearing
officer outside of the employee's chain of command . The Step 2 filing must be received by Human Resources within 5 calendar days of
the date of the completion of mediation . The hearing process shall be concluded within 35 calendar days of filing Step 2
of the grievance process unless the grievant and University mutually agree to extend
the time, which will not extend the 90-calendar day timeframe.
2. Right to Challenge Appointed Hearing Officer or Hearing Panel Members
The grievant has one opportunity to challenge the appointed hearing officer or up
to two members of the hearing panel if the grievant believes they cannot render an
unbiased recommendation due to a real or perceived conflict of interest. The grievant
must submit the basis for the challenge in writing. Human Resources will review the
challenge and replace the member(s) as appropriate. If the grievant wishes to make a challenge, it must be done within 5 calendar days
of receiving the notification of hearing panel/hearing officer.
3. Permitted Hearing Attendees
- The grievant who initiated the grievance
- Hearing officer or hearing panel members
- Witnesses, as approved by the hearing panel chair or hearing officer in accordance
with the University process
- Appropriate University and Human Resources representatives
Attorneys and other advisors may not attend the hearing.
Audiotape, videotape, recording devices, and transmission devices are not permitted
during the hearing unless approved by the Chancellor, or designee.
4. Grievant’s Responsibilities
- Attending the hearing as scheduled by the University
- Notifying and receiving approval from Human Resources, in advance of the scheduled
hearing, if occurrences that are unavoidable or beyond the control of the grievant
prevent attendance at the hearing
- Preparing for the hearing by being able to present clear and concise information regarding
the issues surrounding the grievance and remedies sought
- A Grievant who has an unexcused failure to attend a hearing as scheduled forfeits
the right to proceed with the internal grievance process
5. Hearing Officer’s/ Hearing Panel Chair’s Responsibilities
- Calling the hearing to order and establishing the process for the proceedings
- Maintaining order and decorum
- Ensuring that all parties are allotted adequate time to present evidence and question
witnesses
- Submitting a proposed recommendation with documentation for a final University decision
6. University Human Resources’ Responsibilities
- Establishing the use of either a hearing panel/hearing officer
- Administering the hearing process within the University
- Providing that all parties receive appropriate information about the hearing process
- Establishing a process for the grievant to challenge the appointed hearing officer
or hearing panel members
- Consulting with OSHR on the proposed final University decision recommendation
7. Grievance Presentation
The hearing officer or hearing panel chair will preside over the hearing to allow
the parties to present information relevant to the nature of the grievance, facts
upon which the grievance is based, and the remedies sought. Each party shall be given
a fair opportunity to present evidence on the issues to be heard and to question witnesses.
8.Hearing Report, Proposed Recommendation, and Final University Decision
The hearing panel chair or hearing officer will draft a proposed recommendation for
a final University decision, including justification to support the recommendation,
and submit it to the Chancellor or designee. The Chancellor or designee will forward
the hearing report and proposed final University decision to UNC General Administration's
Vice President for Human Resources or designee within the 35-calendar day timeframe
for the Step 2 hearing process for review. The Vice President for Human Resources
or designee, in consultation with the Director of OSHR or designee shall review the
proposed final University decision and will respond to the Chancellor or designee
within 10 calendar days.
9. Final University Decision
The University shall consider any input received from the director of OSHR and issue
its final University decision to the grievant within 5 calendar days. The proposed
final University decision shall not be issued or become final until reviewed and approved
by OSHR. The final University decision shall be issued in writing within 90 calendar
days of the initial filing of the grievance. The final University decision will include
information about any appeal rights.
10. Settlement Approval
The approval of the director of OSHR or designee is required for settlements that
need a personnel transaction to be processed, except where the only personnel action
is the substitution of a resignation for a dismissal. If a settlement involves an
exception to the State Human Resources Commission policy, the approval of the director
of OSHR or designee is required.
VII. APPEALS TO OAH
A. University Requirements to Notify Grievant of Appeal Rights
The final University decision shall inform the grievant in writing of any appeal rights
through OAH for contested case issues. The grievant must be specifically informed
of the following: (1) the appeal is initiated by filing a "petition for a contested
case" hearing with OAH; (2) the appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days after
the grievant receives the final University decision; and (3) a fee is charged for
filing a Petition for a Contested Case Hearing.
B. Appeals to OAH
If the grievant is not satisfied with the final University decision, the grievant
may file a petition for contested case hearing with OAH in cases where the grievable
issue may be appealed. An administrative law judge will conduct a hearing and render
a final decision. A petition for contested case hearing must be filed within 30 calendar days after
the grievant receives the final University decision . The appeal must be filed at:
Office of Administrative Hearings
1711 New Hope Church Road (Physical Address)\
Raleigh, NC 27609
6714 Mail Service Center (Mailing Address)
Raleigh, NC 27699-6700
(919) 431-3000
Hearing procedure requirements and filing forms (OAH Form H-06A) can be obtained from
the OAH at: http://www.ncoah.com/hearings/ or by calling (919) 431-3000.
VIII. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE SHRA EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE POLICY
A. University Human Resources’ and AA/EEO Office’s Responsibilities
- Adhere to the SHRA grievance policy
- Develop and communicate internal procedures as needed
- Provide current employees and new hires with information about this policy
- Notify employees of any change to this policy no later than 30 calendar days prior
to the effective
date of the change
- Maintain grievance data in the grievance log provided by OSHR (data must be entered
as events occur)
- Provide employee grievance reports to OSHR as requested
B. OSHR Responsibilities
- Seek appropriate approval of revisions to this policy
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to the University as needed
- Conduct ongoing studies/analyses to evaluate policy effectiveness and communicate
results to improve the program effectiveness
IX. POLICY REVIEW
This policy shall be regularly reviewed and revised as may be necessary in connection
and in accordance with changes to State Human Resources Commission policies or rules,
University policies or rules, UNC policies or rules or applicable state and federal
law.
X. RELATED POLICIES AND RESOURCES
University Policy #78, Disciplinary Policy and Procedures for SPA Employees: https://www.wcu.edu/discover/leadership/office-of-the-chancellor/legal-counsel-office/university-policies/numerical-index/university-policy-78.asp
Office of State Human Resources: http://oshr.nc.gov/
Office of State Human Resources Policies: http://oshr.nc.gov/policy-forms
North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings: http://www.ncoah.com/
University of North Carolina Policy Manual: http://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/index.php
