UCSB works to achieve compliance with all legislation that seeks to eliminate discrimination toward students.
Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, and pregnancy. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, prohibit discrimination for uniformed service. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. Policy action by the Regents of the University of California prohibits discrimination on the basis of age and sexual orientation.
The student grievance policy and procedure may be accessed here. For more information, or to obtain a paper copy of the student grievance policy and procedure, students may contact any of the following campus resources:
Office of Vice Chancellor—Student Affairs
Margaret Klawunn, Vice Chancellor
Chief of Staff/Director of Student Affairs Planning and Administration
Cheadle Hall 5203, (805) 893-3651
Office of Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance
Ariana Alvarez, Director & Title IX Officer
Phelps Hall 3211, (805) 893-2546
she/her/ella
Office of Student Life
Katya Armistead, Assistant Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students
Student Resource Building (SRB) 2nd floor, (805) 893-4569
Administrative Services
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Officer
4219 Cheadle Hall, (805) 893-7025
Women, Gender and Sexual Equity
Betsy Kaminski, Director of Women, Gender, and Sexual Equity
Women's Center, (805) 893-3778
Disabled Students Program
Gary White, Director
2120 Student Resource Building (SRB), (805) 893-2668
Office of the Ombuds
Girvetz Hall 1205-K, (805) 893-3285
Associated Students
Main Office
UCen, Room 1523, (805) 893-2566
Graduate Division
Robert Hamm, Assistant Dean
Cheadle Hall 3117, (805) 893-2013
Student Life & Academic Support Services
Student Resource Building (SRB) 2nd floor, (805) 893-8749
Any student who wishes to file a grievance arising from alleged discrimination should consult the UCSB Policy on Student Grievances, available here: www.policy.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/docs/policies/student-grievance-proced.pdf.
Grade disputes are not within the scope of this policy unless the grade appeal is based, in whole or in part, on claims of discrimination based on race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, age, sex, gender, veteran’s status, genetic information, or citizenship. Grade appeals not involving a claim of discrimination are filed with the Academic Senate. Please visit the Academic Senate's website (Appendix 5) for more information.
Click here for more information on UCSB's Sexual Harassment policy.
Student Grievance Procedure
| Who |
What |
Where |
When* |
| Student |
Files Formal Complaint; if student plans to be assisted by a representative, provides written notice as to representative’s name and whether the representative is an attorney | Office of the Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Within 180 days of the alleged conduct |
| Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Forwards complaint |
(1) To designated investigator;
(2) To department where the alleged conduct occurred;
(3) To the Director, Equal;
Opportunity and Discrimination Prevention Office;
(4) Appropriate Compliance
Officer(s); and
(5) Academic Senate,
if it involves a Grade Appeal |
Within 5 days of receipt of complaint |
| Department/Unit Head |
Files written answer to charges |
With designated investigator(s) |
Within 10 days of receipt of grievance |
| Investigator(s) |
Examines circumstances of charge and reports findings |
To Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs
|
Within 30 days of the Vice Chancellor’s initial receipt of the grievance |
| Student |
Presents Written Request for Formal Hearing; indicates preference for Hearing Officer or Committee | To Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Within 10 days of receipt of investigator'(s) report |
| Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Arranges for an impartial hearing by the Hearing Officer or Committee | Campus location |
Within 30 days of the student’s request for hearing. |
| Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Notifies grievant and Department or Unit Head of the hearing time and place | Personally or by registered mail |
15 days before hearing date |
| Each party |
Exchanges evidence |
To be agreed upon |
No later than 7 days before the hearing |
| Hearing Officer or Committee | Reports findings; makes recommendations |
To Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Within 30 days after hearing |
| Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs |
Makes decision based on the recommendation of the Hearing entity for appropriate remedy if a violation has been found | (1) To both parties and their representatives, if any;
(2) To Director, Equal Opportunity and Discrimination Prevention Office; and Appropriate Compliance Officer(s), if any
| Within 15 days of receipt of the report from the hearing entity. |
| Student |
Files appeal |
To Chancellor |
Within 30 days from the date of the decision |
| Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs | Retains record of grievance hearing records
|
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs | 5 years after the end of the academic year in which the grievance is closed. |
*All times referred to shall be working days.