Disability Grievance Procedure

How to File a Complaint Based on Disability Discrimination 

A discrimination claim based on disability can usually be filed in person, by telephone, by email, or by regular mail.

Where to Start

Students wanting to file a complaint based on disability discrimination should start by filing a complaint with the Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services located in the Student Wellness Center. The phone number for the office is 940-397-4140. The student can also obtain the email address of the current Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services from the Disability Support Services office. The mailing address of the Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services is: 3410 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, Texas 76308. The Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services will begin an investigation of the allegation within 20 calendar days. Should the investigation require a longer period of time, the complainant will be notified within the 20 calendar days of the anticipated ruling date and the reasons for the need for extended time. 

What Information Should Your Complaint Include?

• Your full name, address, email address, and contact information. 
• The name and address of the entity or person that you believe committed the discrimination.
• A description of the acts of discrimination, the dates they occurred, and the names of the individuals involved.
• Other information you believe necessary to support your complaint, including copies (not originals) of relevant documents.

What Are Possible Outcomes?

If there is insufficient evidence to support the claim, it will be dismissed. Appeal is possible by submitting a formal request in writing to the Executive Director of Student Wellness. This information will be provided to the student at the time of notification that the complaint has been dismissed.

The claim may be resolved based upon an appropriate remedy (grade adjustments, course changes, instructor changes, etc.).

The claim may be referred to mediation. If academic, it will be referred to the Provost or Designee to mediate a settlement between the faculty member and the student. If non-academic, it will be referred to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or Designee to mediate a settlement between the staff member and the student. 

Examples of Evidence/Supporting Documents to a Claim

• Journal entries listing the facts and circumstances of acts or omissions of discrimination
• Witness statements
• Copy of your request for reasonable accommodation (if denied)
• Legal documents that may have a bearing on the case
• A statement about the nature of your disability and why the alleged acts or omissions constituted discrimination

The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.