Grievance & Complaint Resolution
The Office of Accommodative Services provides academic accommodations for all qualified students who have documented learning, emotional and/or physical disabilities (as defined by Section 504 and the ADA) and have need for accommodations. The evaluation and determination of accommodations is determined by an interactive, individualized process aimed at developing accommodations that are appropriate, reasonable, and effective for each student. It is the student's responsibility to notify the Office of Accommodative Services as early as possible in the event of any problems or unexpected barriers experienced in the obtaining of academic accommodations, services, or access. There may be instances in which a student may have concerns or complaints regarding the process, their eligibility, the determination or facilitation of accommodations and services, and/or believe they have experienced discriminatory harassment.
Students with a disability who consider themselves victims of discrimination and have been unable to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution through the Accommodative Services Office may file a grievance with the Student Affairs Office.
Informal Grievance Process
If there are concerns about reasonable accommodations or their fulfillment, students are encouraged to first notify the Office of Accommodative Services. We will assist the student in identifying solutions and mediate with the faculty member, department, or program as necessary. Most disability-related issues or complaints about accommodations, services, faculty, and/or programs can be positively resolved at this level.
Formal Grievance Process - ADA Compliance Review and Appeal
If the student is not satisfied with the result of the Informal Process within the Office of Accommodative Services the student may initiate a more formal grievance with the Title IX Coordinator / ADA Compliance Officer. The ADA Compliance Officer shall receive any complaint of alleged discrimination, shall assist the complainant in defining the charge and shall provide the complainant with information regarding the options for filing internal complaints or external complaints through the federal Office of Civil Rights and/or the New York State Division of Human Rights.
Please note that formal complaints must be filed as soon as possible, but in no event later than 10 days after the end of the semester in which the concern arose.
Andrea L. Waters
Title IX Coordinator / ADA Compliance Officer
Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sisson Hall S224/S246
Email: watersal@potsdam.edu
Phone: (315) 267-2224