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FAQs for ComplainantsFIRST CONTACT I’m thinking about filing a complaint with OSCR and want to learn more about what my options are. What’s the next step? I’m experiencing an interpersonal conflict and would like some assistance and support in resolving it. Can you help? Any member of the U-M community may contact OSCR to request information about the University’s conflict resolution services. (Resolution Options). A common next step is to schedule an appointment to meet with a member of our staff. What will happen at this meeting? You will meet one on one with an OSCR staff member who will:
Meeting with OSCR does not oblige you to submit a complaint or participate in the Resolution Process. Can I bring someone to this meeting? Yes. Complainants have the right to an advisor in the Resolution Process. Nearly anyone can serve as an advisor. We can provide you with a referral for an advisor if you request it. You can learn more about advisors here: (Advisors and Attorneys). RESOLUTION PROCESS What options are available to me to resolve the incident? You can:
What happens after my complaint is submitted? Each complaint submitted to OSCR is the subject of extensive dialogue by the case management team. When a procedural nuance is presented in a case, the issue is vetted with members of the team to determine the most compassionate and fair outcome. Once the complaint is determined to be viable, written notice of the allegations is sent to the student named in the complaint (or “respondent”). Per the Statement, the respondent can choose how to resolve the allegations. You can learn more about this stage of the Resolution Process in Section VI of the Statement (Statement) When allegations of a Statement violation are made, will OSCR investigate? The Office of Student Conflict Resolution does not actively investigate cases. OSCR is a neutral facilitator of the University’s resolution process. While at the initial stages of a case, OSCR may dismiss a complaint as baseless or otherwise unsupported by the evidence, or determine that the alleged behavior does not fit within the purview of the Statement. Beyond this initial review, OSCR’s role is to ensure that the Resolution Process is followed. Can a complaint be filed in response to an incident that took place off campus? Yes. Per the Statement: “Behavior which occurs in the city of Ann Arbor, on University controlled property, or at University sponsored events / programs may violate the Statement. Behavior which occurs outside the city of Ann Arbor or outside University controlled property may violate the Statement only if the behavior poses an obvious and serious threat or harm to any member(s) of the University community.” What role do complainants have in providing information supporting their perspectives in a dispute? For educational purposes, the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities demands an active role of both complainants and respondents. This means that complainants are responsible for supporting their complaint and respondents are responsible for providing their response. Both the complainant(s) and the respondent(s) are provided with substantial information and notices regarding their opportunity to present evidence in support of their assertions. RESOLUTION OUTCOMES What sanctions are available to the Resolution Process? Per the Statement, sanctions are “designed to promote the University’s educational mission.” The full range of sanctions available to the Resolution Process may be found in Section VII of the Statement. (Statement) Do I have the right to an appeal the outcome of arbitration? Yes. You can learn more about the appeals process in Section VI of the Statement. RECORDS Do parents or guardians have access to my records? Not without your written permission. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) maintains the privacy of student records. Per the Statement, “Confidentiality of records will be maintained to the extent permitted by law and the University of Michigan Student Rights and Student Records Policy (http://www.umich.edu/%7Eregoff/ferpafaq.html ). FERPA information is also available from the University’s Office of the General Counsel (http://www.ogc.umich.edu/faq_student.html ). The web links below provide additional information about FERPA. FERPA regulations with links to each part > http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/reg/ferpa/index.html ASJA Law and Policy Report (14 Jun 07, No 258) “FERPA and HIPPA Resources” >
FAQs For Advisors and Attorneys FAQs For Persons considering ACR
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