Lasell University is committed to the laws and principles set forth by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), and applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These laws prohibit discrimination based on a disability, in any programs, activities, and employment opportunities available at Lasell University.  These laws also prohibit retaliation against an individual who files a complaint regarding disability discrimination, files a grievance under this procedure, or cooperates in the investigation of such complaint or grievance. 

As part of the University's commitment not to discriminate on the basis of a disability, Lasell University has adopted an internal grievance procedure.  This procedure provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints that allege any prohibited action.  Persons (including students, faculty, staff, and applicants) who are qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by law, may request reasonable accommodations, which afford them equal opportunity to access, use, and/or participate in the programs, activities, facilities and employment available at Lasell University.  The University will provide reasonable accommodations unless they would present an undue financial or administrative burden or make a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program or activity.  If a requested accommodation presents an undue burden or makes a fundamental alteration, the University will attempt to propose alternative solutions and/or accommodations, which do not create such hardship or make such alteration.  The University will work in good faith with the person requesting the accommodation to determine the availability of an acceptable alternative.   Individuals who have submitted documentation related to an accommodation request may file a grievance with Lasell University's 504 Coordinator if they believe their requests for accommodation have not been adequately met or believe their approved accommodations are not being provided appropriately.

Grievance Process

Prior to the filing of a written grievance, the grievant is encouraged to discuss their concerns in a pre-grievance meeting with the respondent(s) alleged to be directly responsible for the possible violation(s) in an effort to seek an informal resolution.

When a matter cannot be resolved informally, or if there is a preference to file a formal grievance, an individual may do so by submitting a written statement of the alleged grievance to the Section 504 Coordinator, generally within 30 days of the date when the person filing the grievance became aware of the alleged discriminatory action.   The Director of Accessibility Services is the University's currently designated Section 504 Coordinator.  NOTE:  In the event that the Section 504 Coordinator is central to the grievance, the grievance should be submitted in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs.

• The grievance is to contain the name and address of the person filing it, a description of the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory or retaliatory, and the remedy or relief sought.
• The Section 504 Coordinator (or their designee) shall conduct an investigation of the grievance.  The investigation generally will include interviews of the person who submitted the grievance; relevant individuals referenced in the grievance; and may include additional interviews as appropriate.  The person bringing the grievance and the person responding to the grievance may identify additional persons and/or documents they believe would be relevant and helpful to the investigation of the grievance.
• Absent exceptional circumstances, the Section 504 Coordinator (or their designee) typically will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 15 business days after its filing.  The grieving party and responding party will both be notified of the decision, in writing.
• The decision of the Section 504 Coordinator (or their designee) may be appealed in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs (or their designee), within 10 business days of receiving the decision.  The appeal is to contain the reasons why the person believes the decision should be changed and should state the change(s) sought.  Absent exceptional circumstances, the Dean (or their designee) typically shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal, within 10 business days.
• NOTE:  In the event that the Section 504 Coordinator is central to the grievance, and the Dean of Student Affairs (or their designee) made the decision on the grievance, appeals will be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs (or their designee).