Non-Discrimination Policy and Student Complaints Procedure

STUDENT COMPLAINTS

A complaint is either an Informal Resolution, an Informal Complaint or a Formal Complaint request to the institution to investigate allegations of noncompliance with UNAM’s “Non-Discrimination Policy.”

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the goal of UNAM-San Antonio to provide an educational working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the Institution’s community. In accordance with federal and state law, the Institution prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, genetic information and veteran status. To the extent permitted by law, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to the institution’s policy.

DEFINITIONS: 

 

  • DISCRIMINATION: Including harassment, discrimination is defined as conduct directed at a specific individual or a group of identifiable individuals that subjects the individual or group to treatment that adversely affects their employment or education on account of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

 

  • HARASSMENT: As a form of discrimination, harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual or group because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation, when such conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s or group’s academic or work performance or of creating a hostile academic or work environment. Constitutionally protected expression cannot be considered harassment under the policy.

 

  • OTHER STUDENT-RELATED COMPLAINTS: A student who has a complaint that a policy or procedure has been incorrectly or unfairly applied in his/her particular case, or a complaint about the behavior of a Teacher or an UNAM staff member that does not fall within any of the categories of “Discrimination or Harassment”.

REPORTING

In the particular cases of Discrimination and Harassment the procedure to follow is stated in section C. For any other student-related complaints the procedure to follow is stated, and includes, sections A, B, and C. 

  • INFORMAL RESOLUTION: Students are encouraged to speak directly with the teacher or staff member most concerned with or responsible for the situation that is the cause of the complaint. If this communication does not lead to a resolution, or such a discussion is not deemed appropriate, the student may register an informal complaint or file a formal written complaint. The Student Complaint form can be found on our website or at the administration office. The form must be completed and signed by hand for the student complaint to be official.

 

  • INFORMAL COMPLAINT: A student may register an informal complaint within thirty (30) days of the event that triggered the complaint. The earlier the communication is made, however, the more likely it is to resolve the matter satisfactorily. Complaints involving academic matters should be made to the Chair of the relevant Language Department. Other types of complaints should be made to the head of the appropriate UNAM San Antonio office. Informal complaints may be made by telephone or email. The Campus Dean’s Office will appoint a Commission to review the matter presented by the student and determine whether any action is required. The student will be notified of the UNAM’s response within 10 days of the informal complaint. If the student is not satisfied with the decision and/or attempts at resolution, he/she may go on to make a formal complaint.

 

  • FORMAL COMPLAINT: A formal complaint must be submitted in writing to the Campus Dean’s Office of UNAM. Formal complaints must be filed within sixty (60) days of the event that triggered the complaint, and state the nature of the grievance and the remedy being sought. Any previous attempts to resolve the issue should also be described. Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged within fifteen (15) days. The appropriate UNAM administrator will then review the matter. A final written determination, including any proposed resolution, will be sent to the student within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the complaint. A complete record of formal complaints will be kept by the UNAM’s Dean Office. Records of the final outcome of all formal complaints will also be stored in the student’s file at the Office of Student Affairs.

WRITTEN COMPLAINT

In order to initiate  the investigation process, the complainant should submit a signed, written statement setting out the details of the conduct that is the subject of the complaint, including the complainant’s name, signature and contact information, the name of the person directly responsible for the alleged violation; a detailed description of the conduct  or event that is the basis of the alleged violation, the date(s) and location(s) of the occurrence(s), the names of any  witnesses to the  occurrence(s), the resolution sought and  any documents or information that is relevant to the complaint. While an investigation may begin on the basis of an oral complaint, the complainant is strongly encouraged to file a written complaint before official action can take place. 

  • FALSE COMPLAINTS: Any person who knowingly and intentionally files a false complaint under this policy or any person who knowingly and intentionally makes false statements within the course of the investigation is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the institution.
  • DISSEMINATION OF POLICY: Any policy updates will be included in this Student Handbook.

To write a complaint, please click here:

 

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