C. Dispute Resolution

1. General. The University encourages open and honest communication between members of the community, and believes that most questions and disputes can and should be resolved amicably and rationally through the forthright analysis of issues and the joint exploration of solutions.
2. Construction. Individuals who are uncertain about how to construe or interpret any portion of this policy or its applicability to particular facts or circumstances should contact their respective academic dean, Senior Administrator, or the Office of Human Resources. In all events, the President of the University is the final arbiter of the construction and interpretation hereof.
3. Grievance Procedures. In cases where disputes respecting this policy are not mutually resolved as above, the University’s formal grievance procedures will be used. Such procedures are set forth in the Faculty Policies and Procedures Handbook (for faculty) and the Employee Handbook (for staff, non‐faculty employees, and independent contractors), and are available from the dean of students (for students).
4. Regular Review. This policy shall be reviewed every two years by the University administration in collaboration with faculty and staff. Changes to this policy proposed as a result of such review will be subject to the joint approval of the University and the Faculty prior to being made a part of this policy.
5. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this policy, this policy will be superseded by and modified as necessary to comply with applicable Federal or state law (e.g., to ensure the University’s continued status as a tax‐exempt entity) . In such an event, the University will endeavor to provide its faculty, staff, students, and independent contractors with notice of the applicable modifications as reasonably in advance as may be afforded by circumstances.