When a disagreement arises concerning accommodation requests, the following procedures should be followed:

1.                  The student must request accommodation(s) and provide supporting documentation to the Coordinator of Specialized Support Services (Coordinator).  Documentation.

2.                  In instances where a disagreement arises, the student should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible.  The Coordinator will make every effort to resolve the disagreement, first with any appropriate faculty or staff person, then with the academic Department Chairperson or administrative Department Director, and/or if needed, the Dean of the student’s College and/or the Dean of Student Affairs, as is appropriate.  In instances where the disagreement arises with the Coordinator, the student should contact the 504-ADA Compliance Officer:  Robert Pfeil, Director of Human Resources, Niagara University, New York 14109, 716-286-8690, rpfeil@niagara.edu. 

3.                  If agreement cannot be reached, the student may file a written petition with the 504/ADA Compliance Officer.  The 504/ADA Compliance Officer will investigate the matter with all parties involved to achieve resolution within 7 business days. While a petition is under review, appropriate and reasonable interim accommodations will be provided.

4.                  The 504/ADA Compliance Officer’s recommendation may be appealed, in writing, to the appropriate vice president (either academic or student life) for a decision within 7 days. 

5.                  The decision of either the Academic or Student Life Vice President is considered final.

Discrimination Complaint Procedure:

A student has the right to raise the issue of discrimination based on disability without fear or reprisal.  Management at all levels is responsible for taking corrective action to prevent discrimination at Niagara University. 

1.  Alleged discrimination based on disability involving a faculty member should be reported to the Academic Vice President.  Alleged discrimination based on disability involving either a member of the administrative staff or another student should be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs. Alleged discrimination based on disability involving either the Academic Vice President or the Dean of Student Affairs should be reported to his/her immediate supervisor.

2.  Investigations will be conducted in as confidential a manner as possible.  Any individual filing a complaint will be advised of the results of the investigation and any action taken. 

3.  In cases where an employee of the University is claimed to be either the subject of discrimination or the accused, a report should be filed with the Director of Human Resources.  Any employee who is found to have engaged in discrimination based on disability will be subject to such corrective action and/or penalty as deemed warranted by the University.   

4.  In cases where another student is accused of discrimination, the sanction may include, but is not limited to a warning, educational and community service project(s), residence hall reassignment, disciplinary probation, residence hall expulsion, and/or suspension or expulsion from the University.