Faculty Dispute Resolution Procedure - 63.13.01

College Policy Number/Title:

• 63.13  Employee Dispute Resolution

Howard Community College (HCC) expects that every effort will be made on the part of both parties to reach an amicable and rational solution to issues prior to entering the dispute resolution process. When such solutions cannot be achieved, grievable issues as listed in policy 63.13, Employee Dispute Resolution, should follow this procedure when the complainant is a faculty member, either budgeted or temporary with benefits.

Dispute Resolution Procedures

1. To file a grievance, the faculty member must submit an official grievance form to the faculty member’s supervisor with a copy to the vice president of talent, inclusion, and workplace culture and chief human resources officer (CHRO). The official grievance form is on the HCC portal. The form must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date the cause of complaint occurred. The supervisor then issues a written response to the faculty member’s grievance within 30 calendar days of receiving the grievance form.
2. Within five business days of the receipt of the supervisor’s written decision, the faculty member may submit a written request that the grievance be considered by either the CHRO, or a dispute resolution committee. If no written request is submitted to the CHRO within five business days of receiving the decision, the decision rendered by the supervisor will stand and the grievance process is concluded.
3. Should the grievance proceed directly to the vice president of teaching and learning, the vice president of teaching and learning will review the decision of the supervisor and will make a final written decision either affirming, modifying, or rejecting the supervisor’s decision. The decision of the vice president of teaching and learning will be issued within 30 calendar days of receipt of the faculty member’s request for review.
4. Should the faculty member request that the grievance be considered by a dispute resolution committee, the following procedures will be followed.

Dispute Resolution Committee

1. The dispute resolution committee is comprised of six employees: three faculty members, two administrative staff members, and the CHRO or designee; the CHRO or designee will facilitate the committee and will not vote. The CHRO or designee convenes the committee, chairs the meetings, provides administrative support, and clarifies any procedural questions. When the need for a dispute resolution committee arises, the Faculty Forum elects three representatives and an alternate to serve. In the case of a clear conflict of interest, the representative or the committee may decide that a specific person should not serve on the committee. In that case, the alternate serves on the committee. If there is a question concerning a conflict of interest, the CHRO decides whether the representative's participation on the committee is appropriate. The CHRO selects the administrative staff members to serve on the committee.
2. Within 15 business days of receipt of the written request to convene a dispute resolution committee, the CHRO convenes the committee. Minimally, the committee meets with the faculty member and the supervisor, reviews any documentary support either party wishes to submit, and hears from any witnesses either party wishes to bring. At the first meeting, the committee determines the procedures to be followed and informs the complainant and supervisor.
3. The committee does not accept anonymous materials as supporting evidence for either party. Both parties have access to all documents submitted as evidence. Legal or other representatives are not permitted to assist either party. The CHRO directs the dispute resolution committee to hold all recommendations and deliberations confidential.
4. Within 30 calendar days of receipt of all documentary evidence and testimony, the committee will prepare a report containing findings of fact and recommendations for the resolution of the dispute. The report is presented to the vice president of teaching and learning, who subsequently issues a final written decision on the matter within 15 calendar days. In making the final decision, the vice president takes into consideration the report of the dispute resolution committee but is not required to abide by its recommendations.

Effective Date: 06/09/22b

President's Office Use: CHRO/VPTL