Dispute Resolution

All University faculty have rights and responsibilities as described in the Faculty Handbook and in North Dakota University System policy. Faculty who are concerned about possible injustices or mistreatment have many options available to them.

Faculty Grievances

The University of North Dakota believes that providing a positive employment environment for faculty and other employees is vital to the mission of the University. An important part of that environment is the adoption of fair and clear procedures for handling and resolving faculty concerns arising out of the employment context.

605-Type Grievances

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) distinguish between two types of faculty employment concerns. One type is specifically limited to a faculty member's complaint resulting from UND's decision to dismiss, terminate, suspend, not offer again, or sanction the faculty member. The procedures for resolving these complaints are governed by SBHE policy 605.3 and 605.4. These policies, as well as their implementation at UND, can be found in Section II of the Faculty Handbook.

A concern of this type should be directed to the chair of the Standing Committee on Faculty Rights (SCoFR).

612-Type Grievances

The SBHE characterizes the other type of faculty employment concern as a "faculty grievance." SBHE Policy 612 defines a faculty grievance as "an allegation of a violation of specific Board or institutional policy, procedure or practice pertaining to the employment relationship. This includes the terms of the grievant's employment contract and this policy. Discretionary actions, such as salary adjustments and performance evaluations, may not be grieved, except to determine: (a) whether the discretionary action was made in accordance with relevant Board or institutional policies, practices, procedures or criteria; and (b) whether the action constitutes a clear abuse of discretion. Complaints involving any matters covered under Sections 605.3 or 605.4 are not grievances under this policy. Grievances cannot be filed against written Board and institutional policies, per se." The University's procedures for resolving faculty grievances are governed by sections 612 and 605.5 of the SBHE Policies.

A concern of this type should be directed to the chair of the University Senate.