Procedures for Accommodation Grievances & Discrimination Complaints
In accordance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Titles I and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Sacred Heart University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. Sacred Heart University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Education, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Sacred Heart University has adopted procedures providing for a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 and/or the ADA.
The Sacred Heart University 504/ADA Coordinator has been designated to coordinate the efforts of Sacred Heart University to comply with Section 504 and the ADA.
Sacred Heart University 504/ADA Coordinator
Freda Grant, Ph.D.
Director of Institutional Equity Compliance & Support and 504/ADA Coordinator
Office for Inclusive Excellence
Melady Hall 209B
203-396-8067
grantf2@sacredheart.edu
Accommodation Grievances
An otherwise qualified student, faculty or staff with a disability, as defined by the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, shall have the right to request that the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator review a University accommodation or the denial of verification of a disability by the University.
Students
Students should first attempt to resolve concerns regarding accommodations for a verified disability or the University’s denial of verification by meeting with the Director of Student Accessibility. The student should contact the office in writing at accessibility@sacredheart.edu, state their concern and request a meeting with the Director of Student Accessibility.
If the concern is not resolved with Student Accessibility (OSA), the student can file a grievance with the University’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator by completing the Grievance Form - ADA/504 Accommodation.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff should first attempt to resolve concerns regarding workplace accommodation for a verified disability or the University’s denial of verification of a disability with Human Resources. The employee should contact the Director of Employee Relations & Wellness, Sally Schettino, at schettinos@sacredheart.edu, state their concern and request a meeting.
If the concern is not resolved with Human Resources, the employee can file a grievance with the University’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator by completing the Grievance Form - ADA/504 Accommodation.
Timing & Procedures*
*Individuals unable to complete the Grievance Form or any other step of these procedures due to a disability should contact the ADA/504 Coordinator. The Coordinator will provide appropriate assistance.
The ADA/504 Coordinator will thoroughly investigate the grievance and reach a prompt and equitable determination within thirty (30) days after receiving the grievance or issue notice regarding any need for additional time to reach a determination, which shall not be unduly delayed.
The determination issued by the SHU ADA/504 Coordinator regarding accommodation is a final decision of Sacred Heart University.
A confidential record of the grievance investigation will be maintained in a private file in the office of the University 504/ADA Coordinator.
Complaints of Discrimination Based on Disability
SHU student, faculty, staff, admitted students and faculty and staff in pre-employment who believe that they have been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of disability may file a Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Complaint Form under these procedures.
Timing & Procedures*
*Individuals unable to complete the Complaint Form or any other step of these procedures due to a disability should contact the ADA/504 Coordinator. The Coordinator will provide appropriate assistance.
Persons should file their complaint within sixty (60) days of the incidents giving rise to the complaint. This filing period may be extended for good cause.
The ADA/504 Coordinator will thoroughly investigate the complaint. Within thirty (30) days after receiving the complaint the ADA/504 Coordinator will either issue a written Letter of Determination or will provide the complainant with notice regarding any need for additional time to reach a determination, which shall not be unduly delayed.
For more information about Sacred Heart University’s Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy and the procedures, visit the SHU Office for Inclusive Excellence website.
A confidential record of the investigation will be maintained in a private file in the office of the SHU 504/ADA Coordinator.
State & Federal Rights
Availability and use of these University procedures does not prevent a person from filing a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights at any time.
Statement of Sacred Heart University Policies as of May, 2023