It is the policy of the University not to discriminate based on disability. The University has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), as amended. Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The Office of Compliance, Investigations & Ethics has been designated to coordinate the University’s compliance with Section 504.
Any person who believes they have been discriminated against in connection with a denial of a requested accommodation may file a grievance under this procedure. If you suspect that you are being discriminated against based on disability either in the work or academic environment, please review the University’s Title VI and Equal opportunity page and follow the process for making a complaint.
Procedure
Grievances must be submitted to the Section 504 Coordinator within thirty (30) days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
- The grievance must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person submitting it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. Grievances should be emailed to civilrights@pitt.edu.
- The Section 504 Coordinator (or designee) shall investigate the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. The Section 504 Coordinator will maintain the files and records of the University relating to such grievances.
- The Section 504 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than thirty (30) days after its filing.
- The person filing the grievance or the affected department or business unit may appeal the Section 504 Coordinator’s decision in writing within fifteen (15) days of receiving the Section 504 Coordinator’s decision.
- Appeals related to grievances associated with students should be submitted to the Vice Provost and Dean of Students, VPStudentAffairs@pitt.edu.
- Appeals related to grievances associated with faculty should be submitted to the Office of the Provost, provost@pitt.edu.
- Appeals related to staff should be submitted to the Office of Finance and Operations, administration_finaces@pitt.edu.
- The appeal decision maker shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than thirty (30) days after its filing. The decision by the appeal decision maker is final.
- The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
- Retaliation against any complainant under this grievance procedure or against any person who assists a complainant in her/her pursuit of a complaint under the grievance procedure is prohibited.
- Electronic documentation related to grievances are preserved by the Office of Compliance, Investigations & Ethics for a period of seven (7) years.
The University will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, providing audio-recorded material for individuals who are blind or have low vision, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Section 504 Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.