Accessibility Grievance Procedure

Students with disabilities at SUNY Adirondack have the right to fair and equal access in their educational setting. Part of that equal access may at times include filing a grievance. A grievance is a grounds for complaint where a student has an opportunity to state that something unfair or unjust has happened to them based on their disability. The grievance procedure is to deliver swift and impartial conclusions of complaints claiming any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794). If at any time a student feels that they have been discriminated against based on their disability, they have the right and responsibility to file a grievance. A student can make this grievance either formally or informally.

Informal Grievance Procedure:

If a student feels that they have been discriminated against based on their disability they may wish to follow an informal procedure. Please note that a student may request the assistance of a member of Accessibility Services at any given point. The informal process may be as follows:

1. Schedule a meeting with the faculty member or staff member to express your concerns and what outcomes you would like to take place and come to an agreement. If this meeting is not satisfactory to you, please see step two.

2. Meet with the Division Chair of the Department or Supervisor of the staff member to express your concerns and what outcomes you would like to take place and come to an agreement. If this meeting is not satisfactory to you, please see step three.

3. Scheduling a meeting with the Vice President of Academic Affairs to express your concerns, the staff you have met with and any evidence important to your situation. Work together to come to a solution.

 

Formal Grievance Procedure:

If a student has gone through an informal process and is not satisfied with the resolution, they may file a formal grievance. Students do not have to go through an informal grievance procedure in order to file a formal grievance. The procedure is as follows:

1. Students must download and submit the SUNY Charge of Discrimination form to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. 

2. A review of the grievance by the 504/ADA Coordinator which may include but not limited to interviews, collecting evidence and meeting with other students and staff to determine whether the grievance is valid.

3. After a review of the grievance, a formal letter with a decision will be sent to the student no later than 30 days after the grievance has been filed.

 

Appeal Process:

A student or staff member may petition the result of the Section 504 Coordinator by writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 15 days of getting the Section 504 Coordinator’s letter. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will produce a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.

504 Coordinator
Diane Wildey
Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs 
wildeyd@sunyacc.edu
518-743-2337

John Jablonski
Vice President for Academic Affairs
jablonskij@sunyacc.edu
518-743-2236

View the Student Handbook