The purpose of these guidelines is to provide information and procedures that managers and university employees should follow to resolve employee disputes.
There are two types of dispute resolution: Informal and Formal
Informal dispute resolution is required when VCU employees raise concerns about their employment, excluding discrimination or ethics concerns. Concerns regarding discrimination are addressed by the Office of Equity and Access Services. Concerns regarding ethics are addressed by the VCU Integrity and Compliance Office. Informal dispute resolution may take three forms:
One-on-one meetings with management involvement; or
Facilitated discussions (University Ombudsperson or HR involvement); or
Mediation
Ideally, one of these informal dispute resolution options leads to a resolution of the concern. However, when informal dispute resolution is not successful, an employee may utilize the formal dispute resolution procedure, the VCU Grievance Procedure. When an employee’s wishes to file a grievance under this policy, the employee must submit a completed grievance form to the employee’s manager (or the manager’s manager if the employee’s complaint is about the manager). Management and employees are expected to adhere to the posted timelines unless both parties agree in writing to the contrary.
Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU Human Resources
Lindsey House | 600 West Franklin Street | Box 842511
Richmond, VA 23284-2511
Email: askhr@vcu.edu
Phone: (804) 828-0177