Student Grievance Procedures
STUDENT DISABILITIES SERVICES
ACCOMMODATION PROCESS GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The University of Pennsylvania is committed to making all of its educational opportunities accessible to students with disabilities in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Reasonable accommodations are provided on an individual, case-by-case basis. Six criteria are used to determine whether a requested accommodation is reasonable. The accommodation requested:
- is based on documented individual need for accommodation;
- allows for the most integrated experience possible;
- does not fundamentally alter the essential requirements or essential nature of a course or program;
- does not pose a threat to personal or public safety;
- does not impose undue financial or administrative burden;
- is not of a personal nature (e.g., paying for an attendant).
In most instances, the reasonable accommodation provided is acceptable to both the student and faculty member. However, if that is not the case, a grievance procedure will be followed:
1) The regular Student Disabilities Services documentation/accommodation process will be followed. If acceptable, the reasonable accommodation is provided. If not, the student or faculty member may request (and consent to, as appropriate) the next recourse:
2) An informal "second opinion" is rendered by an ad hoc committee convened by the Associate Vice Provost for University Life. This ad hoc committee minimally comprises the professional staff of Student Disabilities Services plus the School Student Disabilities Liaison. As appropriate, additional representatives may be consulted, such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, HUP Psychiatry, or a peer institution's student disabilities office. If a faculty member initiates this process, the Office of the Provost is also consulted. Usually a resolution can be found through this informal review of the reasonable accommodation. If acceptable, the reasonable accommodation is provided. If not, the student or faculty member may request (and consent to, as appropriate) the next recourse:
3) The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs (OAA/EOP) will initiate a formal Fact-finding process under the Policy on Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Non-discrimination. The OAA/EOP will render a decision.
At any point, parties also may consult and seek the assistance of the Office of the Ombudsman as a way of informally mediating any unresolved issues.
