Disability Grievance Procedure
Olin College is committed to providing equal access to its programs and activities
for people with disabilities. This grievance procedure provides a prompt and equitable process for resolving complaints alleging disability discrimination or harassment, failure to accommodate or disagreement with a determination of a disability accommodation, accessibility barriers, retaliation, or other actions prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If an individual has a concern about a disability accommodation granted or denied by Student Disability Services or Human Resources, that individual is encouraged to first discuss their concerns with Student Disability Services or Human Resources. If these conversations do not resolve the matter, the individual may then choose to file a grievance in accordance with the procedures described below.
Scope
This procedure applies to current students, faculty, and staff and, where appropriate,
prospective students and visitors. It does not replace academic grading appeals or student conduct processes unless the complaint alleges relevant disability discrimination or retaliation.
Coordinator
The Director of Non-discrimination Initiatives serves as the College’s Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator and is responsible for coordinating compliance with disability-related non-discrimination laws and overseeing this grievance process.
Accessibility and non-retaliation
The grievance process is accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Retaliation against any individual for filing a grievance or
participating in this process is prohibited.
Informal resolution
Where appropriate, the College may offer informal resolution. Informal resolution is a
voluntary process where parties may reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Informal resolution can be requested prior to or during the grievance process and is not required before filing a grievance.
Filing a grievance
A grievance may be filed in writing to the Director of Non-discrimination Initiatives. The written grievance should identify the parties involved and describe the alleged conduct, relevant dates, any efforts already made to resolve the concerns, and the requested resolution. Grievances should be filed as soon as possible, generally within 60 calendar days of the alleged action, though the College may accept complaints filed later for good cause.
Acknowledgment and assessment
Within seven business days of the grievance submission, the College will acknowledge receipt of the grievance and determine whether the allegations fall within the scope of this procedure.
Notice
If the allegations fall within the scope of this procedure, the parties will promptly receive written notice of the allegations and the process to be followed.
Information gathering
An impartial investigator will gather and review relevant information, including statements from the parties and witnesses and relevant documents. Both parties will have an opportunity to provide information and respond to the information that will be relied upon.
Determination
Following the review of relevant information, the College will issue a written determination that includes findings, the rationale for the decision, whether a policy violation occurred, and any remedies or corrective actions. The College will strive to issue a written determination within 45 days of receipt of the grievance.
Remedies
If a violation is found, the College will implement appropriate remedies designed to restore access, address the effects of the conduct, and prevent recurrence. Remedies may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, accessibility improvements, or other corrective measures, as appropriate.
External options
Students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Use of this grievance procedure is not required before filing an external complaint.