Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual:
Employee Relations
Dispute Resolution
| Citation Reference | |
|---|---|
| Official Title | Policy on Dispute Resolution |
| Abbreviated Title | Dispute Resolution |
| Volume | Human Resources |
| Responsible Office | Human Resources |
| Originally issued | |
| Revised | May 2008 |
Policy Statement
The University System of Georgia is committed to providing a good working environment for its faculty and staff. Conflicts and disagreements between employees and their supervisors are inevitable. It is the policy of the University System of Georgia to resolve these disputes fairly, and at the lowest possible level. When these conflicts or disagreements occur, employees should first attempt to resolve them through discussion with their supervisor.
Reason for Policy
This policy reinforces the institution’s commitment to provide a safe and amicable workplace for all employees.
Entities Affected By This Policy
All units of the University System of Georgia are covered by this policy.
Who Should Read This Policy
All employees within the University System of Georgia should be aware of this policy.
Contacts
| Contact | Phone | Email/URL |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Human Resources | 404-962-3235 | usg-hr@usg.edu |
| Institution Chief Human Resources Officers | See University System HR Officer Listing at http://www.usg.edu/hr/officers/ | |
| Chief Legal Affairs Officer, USG | 404-962-3255 | burns.newsome@usg.edu |
| Institution Chief Legal Affairs Officer, if applicable | See institution directory. |
Website Address for This Policy
None
Related Documents/Resources
Definitions
These definitions apply to these terms as they are used in this policy:
- Board of Regents: The governing body of the University System of Georgia
Overview
The policy is intended to provide an avenue for resolution of conflicts at the lowest possible level. Attempted resolution may be through the Dispute Resolution Process or through the Grievance/Disciplinary Review Process, if applicable.
A grievance or disciplinary review will be available to handle claims that a person has been harmed by any action that violates the policies of either the institution or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (“the Board of Regents”) or for requested disciplinary review pursuant to the University policy, entitled Conduct, Dismissal, Demotion or Suspension. See more information on grievances and disciplinary reviews in the section entitled Grievance Policy.
Process/Procedures
Dispute Resolution Procedures
As a first step, complainants should try to resolve problems and complaints by contacting their immediate supervisor or, in the case of a student, the academic department head or unit director. This initial contact should be made within ten (10) working days from the occurrence of the problem. The supervisor or department head should then arrange a meeting with the complainant, and all concerned should make a good faith effort to resolve the problem. The Dispute Resolution Coordinator will be available to assist in these initial efforts to resolve disputes.
If the dispute cannot be resolved through the efforts outlined above, the parties may be referred to the Mediation Coordinator to discuss whether mediation is an appropriate means for resolving the dispute. Mediation is a process that helps people resolve disputes for themselves in a mutually acceptable way in which everyone involved in the dispute meets with one or more trained mediators. In a private setting, the mediator provides an orderly, simple process for the parties to discuss their dispute along with their feelings, perceptions and needs. The goal is to begin communication and move towards resolving the dispute in a manner agreeable to all.
If the parties are unable to informally resolve the dispute, they do not wish to pursue mediation or are unsuccessful in resolving the dispute through mediation, the Dispute Resolution Coordinator will advise the person raising the dispute of what other resources may be available, if any.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities each party has in connection with the Dispute Resolution are:
| Party | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, USG | Ensure compliance with policy. |
| Institution Chief Human Resources Officers | Ensure compliance with policy. Ensure identification of individuals who can serve as the institutional dispute resolution coordinator and the mediation coordinator. |
| Chief Legal Affairs Officer, USG | Offer assistance with policy interpretation. |
| Institution Chief Legal Affairs Officer | Offer assistance with policy interpretation. |
Forms
None
Appendices
None
Grievance Policy