Any Tennessee Technological University employee, student,
applicant for admission or employment, or other participant in TTU’s
programs or activities, who believes that he or she has been discriminated
against on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age,
sexual orientation, disability or veteran status is encouraged to use the
procedures outlined below for the resolution of his or her complaint.
However, complaints of sexual or racial harassment are covered by the
Tennessee Technological University Sexual or Racial Harassment Policy.
University policy prohibits retaliation against any person who in good faith
opposes a practice which he or she believes to be discriminatory.
Complaints of discrimination or retaliation should be directed to the
Affirmative Action Office (AAO), 305 Derryberry Hall, Tennessee Technological
University, Cookeville, Tennessee 38505 (telephone 931-372-3016, TDD
available). Allegations against a student should be directed to the Office of
the Dean of Students, 232 Roaden University Center, Tennessee Technological
University, Cookeville, Tennessee 38505 (telephone 931-372-3237). Complaints
must be put in writing and filed within 365 calendar days of the alleged
discriminatory action. In certain
circumstances, at the discretion of the Affirmative Action Office, complaints
filed outside of this time limit or that are not put in writing may be
investigated.
36.1 Employees and students are encouraged to attempt to resolve a
complaint through the administrative structure of the employment unit or
academic department. However,
even if the matter is resolved in such manner, the University reserves the
right to investigate and impose disciplinary sanctions where it deems
appropriate.
36.2 Complaints received directly by the AAO may be
reported by the AAO to the appropriate administrator who will attempt to
resolve the matter working in conjunction with the AAO.
Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible, but cannot
be guaranteed.
36.3 If the complaint is not resolved through the methods described
above, the AAO may use the following:
36.3.1 Complaints should be submitted in writing to
the AAO. The complaint must
include (1) the name of the complainant, (2) an explanation of the action
or conduct complained of, and (3) the person or department responsible for
the action. The complaint
should include the resolution sought by the complainant.
The responding unit or academic department and the party against
whom the complaint has been lodged (respondent) will be notified of the
complaint.
36.3.2
The AAO will conduct an investigation, the nature and scope of
which will be determined by the AAO on a case-by-case basis.
The investigation may include any or all of the following, as well
as such other action as the AAO considers appropriate: interviewing the
complainant, interviewing the respondent, interviewing witnesses,
submitting questions to or taking statements from parties or witnesses,
and reviewing documents.
36.3.3 The AAO will make findings of fact and will
determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support a finding of
discrimination or retaliation. Those
findings, together with a statement outlining the basis for them, will be
transmitted by the AAO to the President. A copy will also be available to
the complainant and respondent.
36.3.4 The President will review the AAO’s findings, make a
determination and notify the complainant and respondent of the decision in
writing.
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