APPENDIX II

HARASSMENT/DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

These procedures apply to all complaints of alleged harassment and discrimination in violation of university policy or state and federal statutes (In the case of sexual harassment, see Appendix 1). University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, evaluation, promotion, assignment, dismissal, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Ideally, individuals who believe they have been harassed or discriminated against should communicate this to the perceived offender, since in most cases discussion with the perceived offender will end the perceived harassment or discrimination. Since this communication may be difficult, the complainant is urged to communicate the complaint through proper channels as soon as possible to insure speedy, proper, and just action. Confidential advice and assistance is available through the procedures described below.

The complaint procedures involve the following:

REPORTING TO THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

• The individual (complainant) who believes he/she has been harassed or discriminated against should communicate this to the Director of Human Resources immediately (within 48 hours after the alleged harassment occurs) both verbally and in writing. The Director of Human Resources will document all conversations with the complainant, including explanation of the Complaint Procedures.
• Within one (1) working day of receiving the complaint, the Director of Human Resources will notify the accused individual (respondent) verbally and in writing that she/he has been named in a complaint.
• It is the responsibility of the Director of Human Resources to immediately investigate charges of impropriety.
• After a thorough investigation has been completed, a determination will be made by appropriate management regarding the resolution of the case. Any Misericordia University employee who has been found, after appropriate investigation, to have harassed another member of the University community will be subject to appropriate sanctions up to and including involuntary dismissal.

Revised 04-10-00

ALTERNATIVE STEPS

It is the University's intention that through these procedures any complaints will be resolved internally. However, an aggrieved individual may also file a complaint with federal and state agencies, such as:

Pennsylvania State Human Relations Commission

Riverfront Office Center

1101-1125 S. Front Street 5th Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17104-2515

(717) 787-9784

U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington DC 20210

(866) 4 USA DOL

Local Office

U.S. LABOR DEPARTMENT

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

Stegmaier Building

7 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard

Room 373-M

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

(866) 4 US WAGE

Revised 03-10

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