ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW POLICY
Questions/Answers
Q. How does the Administrative Review Policy differ from the Dispute Resolution Policy?
A. In a sense, the Administrative Review Policy is a companion policy to the Dispute Resolution Policy. Employment issues not covered by the Dispute Resolution Policy, such as job classification, organization changes, position elimination or layoff, performance evaluation, job title or rates of pay, are addressed through this policy. The Dispute Resolution Policy addresses issues regarding performance improvement counseling (PIC) and/or discharge. Temporary and term staff are covered by the Administrative Review Policy and are not covered by the Dispute Resolution Policy. In addition, term or regular staff who are in their original orientation and evaluation period are covered by the Administrative Review Policy, but are not covered by the Dispute Resolution Policy.
Q. Can temporary staff utilize the Administrative Review Policy?
A. Yes; however, temporary staff cannot utilize the Dispute Resolution Policy. Temporary staff who work for Vanderbilt Temporary Services (VTS), should first contact the manager of VTS.
Q. Can new staff during their initial orientation and evaluation period utilize the Administrative Review Policy?
A. Yes; however, staff who are still within their initial orientation and evaluation period cannot utilize the Dispute Resolution Policy.
Q. What issues are handled by the Opportunity Development Center and what happens?
A. Staff who experience discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or retaliation should immediately seek assistance through the Opportunity Development Center (ODC). You may contact the ODC at 322-4705. ODC will conduct an investigation by documenting the details of the complaint and conducting a prompt and thorough investigation. Where appropriate, ODC will facilitate remedial action to protect the parties involved in the process.
Q. After I talk with my immediate supervisor, do I contact my department head and administrator for steps 2 and 3 of the process?
A. For issues that do not involve a violation of the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy, the Anti-Harassment Policy, or retaliation, the staff member should first contact his/her immediate supervisor within 10 calendar days of the action that gave rise to the concern. If the issue is not resolved, the staff member has 10 calendar days to proceed to Step 2. The staff member may schedule, or call Employee Relations to have a meeting scheduled, with the department head. If the issue is not resolved at Step 2, Employee Relations will coordinate a review with the appropriate Vanderbilt administrator. The review by the Vanderbilt administrator is the final and last step in the review of the administrative issue.
Q. What if, for reasons beyond my control, I am not able to move through the steps in the timeframe established in the policy?
A. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement of the department and the staff member involved. Extensions should be coordinated through Employee Relations.
Q. Under what conditions can this policy not be utilized?
A. Two conditions are outlined in the policy. Staff who disrupt the process (such as using threatening behavior) will forfeit their opportunity to participate in the internal process. Also, staff who refuse to abide by the guidelines established within the policy will forfeit their opportunity to participate in the internal process.
Q. Will I get in further trouble or will my supervisor hold it against me if I utilize this process?
A. No. In fact, the University prohibits retaliation against staff members who utilize or participate in this process in good faith. If you have problems or concerns, please call the Opportunity Development Center or Employee Relations.
Vanderbilt University is committed
to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
HR Express 2525 West End Ave Suite 218 Nashville TN 37203 Hours M-F 7:30 - 5:30 Last Updated: October 19, 2009 |
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