VCOM Administrative and Classified Staff Handbook

If the employee’s grievance is with a policy or procedure of the institution, the grievance procedure follows the channels of VCOM’s organizational chart. In the case of harassment, discrimination, or violence of any type, the employee should meet first with the Director of Human Resources to seek resolution through the appropriate process following the college’s policies and procedures. Informal Grievance Resolution The first attempt to resolve a grievance among employees should be through informal discussions between the employees directly involved and their direct supervisor. The involved employees are expected to work together to attempt to resolve the issue in a manner that follows college policy and is in the best interest of all employees, students, and the college. If a resolution is reached and the involved employees are satisfied with the resolution, the matter is closed. The supervisor involved should document the matter in the event of future issues. If the involved employees are unsatisfied with the resolution or a resolution cannot be reached, they may, within seven calendar days, file a formal grievance, in writing, to the Director for Human Resources. (See procedures If the involved employees are dissatisfied with the resolution or a resolution cannot be reached through the informal grievance process, the employee(s) may file a formal grievance with the Director for Human Resources. The formal grievance must be submitted in writing within seven calendar days of the conclusion of the informal grievance resolution process. The Director for Human Resources will then meet with the employees directly involved to hear both sides of the conflict and will meet with additional parties as necessary. The Director for Human Resources will then make a recommendation, in writing, to the Campus Dean as to a resolution within 14 calendar days from the time the written formal grievance was received. The Campus Dean will notify the employees involved of his/her decision, in writing, in a timely manner (typically within 7 calendar days from the time the recommendation is received). The written decision of the Campus Dean will be kept in the appropriate employee’s permanent file. Grievance Appeal Process If the employee believes that the Campus Dean has not appropriately addressed his/her grievance in a fair manner or in a manner that does not align with college policy, he/she may appeal to the Provost. Upon receiving written notification of the decision from the Campus Dean, the employee, within seven calendar days, may appeal the Campus Dean’s decision to the Provost. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Provost and the employee should request to meet with the Provost. After careful consideration of the facts and deliberations with the appropriate parties, the Provost will notify the employees involved, in writing, of the decision in a timely manner (typically within 14 calendar days from the time the written appeal from the employee was received by the Provost). The written response will be kept in the appropriate employee’s permanent file. If the employee believes that the Provost has not appropriately addressed his/her grievance in a fair manner or in a manner that does not align with college policy, he/she may appeal to the President. Upon receiving written notification of the decision from the Provost, the employee, within seven calendar days, may appeal the Provost’s decision to the President. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the President and the employee should request to meet with the President. below for filing a formal grievance.) Formal Grievance Resolution

58