Grievance

There may be times when a student with a disability feels that their request for academic accommodations have not been met in a satisfactory way. While we make every effort to provide accommodations and services that support each student’s learning needs, concerns may still arise. If a concern cannot be resolved through discussion with the individuals involved, students are encouraged to follow the Informal Resolution steps outlined below.

If a resolution is not reached through the informal process, students have the right to pursue a formal grievance process. The senior-most officer in the Office of Human Resources is responsible for upholding the rights of students to access accommodations in accordance with the ADA, Section 504, Title IX, and the Age Discrimination Act.

Informal Grievance Process

1. The student should discuss his/her problem(s) with the instructor of the course or the appropriate department representative (i.e. housing, disability services, etc.) directly and the Director of Student Accessibility Services, unless extenuating circumstances prohibits doing so.
2. If a conversation with the course instructor, department representative (Housing, Accessibility Services, etc.) and/or the Director of Student Accessibility Services does not settle the situation, the student should then discuss the problem with the Chairperson or Head of the Department.
3. The Head of the Department should consult with the Director of Student Accessibility Services in matters pertaining to accommodations.
4. If the meeting with the Chairperson/Head of the Department does not resolve the grievance, the student should discuss the problem(s) with senior most officer in the Office of Human Resources (Affirmative Action Officer).
5. The senior most officer in the Office of Human Resources on an informal basis may receive initial inquiries, reports and requests for consultation counseling. Assistance will be given whether or not a formal complaint is entertained or possible. The Affirmative Action Officer will attempt to resolve the complaint informally to the satisfaction of the complainant and the respondent. If a resolution to the satisfaction of the parties is not possible, the complainant may proceed to the formal grievance procedure which is contained in the University’s Review of Allegation of Discrimination Procedure.

Formal Grievance Process

1. Student must file a complaint within 90 calendar days following the alleged discriminatory act or 90 calendar days after a final grade is received, for the semester during which the discriminatory acts occurred, if that date is later. All complaints must be submitted on forms provided by the Office of Human Resources. This form will be used for both the initiation of the complainant under the complaint of the informal procedure and the conversion of the compliant to formal procedure.
2. For a full description of the grievance procedure or review of allegation of discrimination procedure, please review in the Human Resources policies section
3. Please note that students who wish to avail themselves of a review by an external agency, the SUNY Internal Complaint Procedure will be terminated and referred to SUNY Counsel.

Appeal (Request for Reconsideration of Accommodative Decision)

We recognize that accommodative decisions can significantly impact a student’s ability to access and participate fully in their living and learning environments. Our appeal process exists to ensure that every student has an opportunity to present additional information, clarify concerns, and work collaboratively toward a solution that supports their success.

When Student Accessibility Services (SAS) determines an accommodation cannot be met or fully reviewed, students will receive an email detailing the denial of the requested accommodation and a brief rationale. If a student believes that an accommodative request was not fully understood, their needs have changed, or their needs were not adequately addressed, they have the right to request a reconsideration (appeal) following the steps.

Initial Appeal (to SAS Director):

1. If the initial decision was made by the SAS Director, please follow the process for “Secondary Appeal” below. If the initial decision was made by someone other than the SAS Director (i.e. the Coordinator), the student may submit an appeal to the SAS Director at sas@sunypoly.edu within 10 business days of receiving the denial.  
2. The appeal may be a written request or an in-person meeting, depending on the student’s preference.
3. The SAS Director will review the appeal and issue a decision to the student via SUNY Poly email within 10 business days of receipt.

Secondary Appeal  

1. If the student disagrees with the SAS Director’s decision, they may submit a secondary appeal to the 504/ADA Coordinator at cornelal@sunypoly.edu within 10 business days of the SAS Director’s decision.
2. The appeal will be reviewed through document review and/or, if necessary, a meeting with the student.
3. A final decision will be issued within 10 business days of receiving the appeal. This appeal will be final.

504/ADA Coordinator
Audra Cornelius
cornelal@sunypoly.edu