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Formal Complaint Procedure

This page gives details on the procedure for filing a formal complaint with the UWF Student Accessibility Resources (SAR). Students may appeal an accommodation decision or register a formal complaint about the implementation of an accommodation with SAR.

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Decision appeals and implementation complaints shall be filed with the SAR.

Students who believe that they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can contact the Equal Opportunity Program Office at eop@uwf.edu or (850) 474-2914 pursuant the University Policy, Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation‌.

Formal Complaint Procedure for Accommodation Related Issues

Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting the Assistant Director in Student Accessibility Resources if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective and timely manner. Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) is located in Bldg 21/110 and can be reached at 850.474.2387 or sar@uwf.edu.

Students should first consult with the Assistant Director of SAR when accommodation-related concerns arise. The Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Resources will attempt conflict resolution at the lowest level possible and move forward when necessary to the next appropriate level. If the dispute cannot be resolved by this process, the student may submit a formal written complaint.

Students may appeal an accommodation decision or file a written complaint regarding accommodation implementation to the Associate Director of SAR. The Associate Director of SAR will work with university personnel and the student in a timely manner to resolve disagreements regarding recommended accommodations or related issues.

The following procedures will be used to review all formal written appeals or formal complaints:
  • All appeals and formal complaints must be made in writing to the Associate Director of Student Accessibility Resources. The Associate Director of Student Accessibility Resources may be reached at 850.474.2387 or by email at sar@uwf.edu. The written complaint should specify the nature of the act claimed to be in violation and the period of time and circumstance in which the act occurred. This may be supplemented by supporting documents from persons having first-hand knowledge of the issue. The student's formal complaint should be filed within a reasonable time. The written complaint should be filed within 60 days of the end of the semester in which the alleged violation occurred. If the written complaint is not filed within the 60 day period, the written complaint should include a clear explanation of why the complaint was not filed within the prescribed period.
  • SAR will investigate all pertinent facts and circumstances in support of the alleged violation.
  • SAR may attempt resolution of a complaint through mutual agreement of the affected parties at any point during the course of the investigation.
  • Should such resolution be achieved, the investigation shall be ended. The terms and conditions of the resolution agreement shall be issued to the complainant and the appropriate faculty member, administrator, or department charged with implementing the prescribed action. A copy of the agreement will be filed in the complainant’s file in SAR.
  • Where resolution through mutual agreement is not achieved, written findings from the investigation regarding probable cause, along with a recommendation for resolving the complaint, shall be forwarded to the complainant and the responsible administrator of the charged department.
  • Upon completion of the investigation, the appropriate faculty member, administrator, or department shall take final action on the recommendation upon receipt of the recommendation. A consultation will be provided by the Associate Director of SAR.
  • Either party may contact the Equal Opportunity Program Office at eop@uwf.edu or 850.474.2914 if they believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Formal Complaint Procedure for SAR Interactions or Services

Student Accessibility Resources takes student complaints and grievances seriously and has processes in place to ensure that complaints are addressed appropriately and in a timely manner.

Conflicts or Concerns with the office of Student Accessibility Resources

A first step for resolving most conflicts is at the local level, between the parties involved. To initiate this process, please reach out to the Associate Director of Student Accessibility Resources to express your concern or describe your conflict. State specifically—verbally or in writing—what the concern is, who it was with, and what action is being requested to address the concern you had with your experience in Student Accessibility Resources.

If your concern is with the Associate Director of Student Accessibility Resources, or if after working with the Associate Director, you do not feel the issue has been resolved, please reach out to the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President for further review and consideration. Decisions made by the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President, related to SAR processes and services are considered final.  

 

If a student has a concern, complaint, or appeal that is not related to Student Accessibility Resources, formal University processes are outlined at University of West Florida Student Complaint Processes

To request this page or any information referenced on the page in an alternative format, please email sar@uwf.edu.