Procedures for the Resolution of Employment-Related Issues
Franklin & Marshall encourages members of the faculty and professional staff to discuss employment-related problems, concerns, and suggestions with their manager or department chair, or with other members of the College administration. Though employees are always free to consult appropriate government agencies regarding their employment concerns, the College strongly recommends that employees make every effort to resolve problems within the College, either through the Open Door Policy or the Problem Resolution Procedures described below. Employees are encouraged to promptly initiate constructive discussions of their employment-related concerns so that issues can be resolved in a timely manner. Discussions will be kept confidential, with only those having a business-need-to-know being informed.
Open Door Policy
As noted above, members of the faculty and professional staff are encouraged to notify their manager or department chair of their employment-related concerns. It is important, and expected, that all parties will present their views privately, and in a constructive and professional manner. Employees may also address concerns to the Assistant Director or Director, Human Resources, although it is expected they will attempt to resolve their concerns first through their immediate supervisor, as appropriate.
Faculty and professional staff are also encouraged to discuss, with their manager or a member of Human Resources, any employment-related "rumors" they have heard. False rumors can then quickly be dispelled and accurate information provided.
Problem Resolution Procedure
The College has established this Problem Resolution Procedure for matters involving a claim by an employee of a violation of an established College policy, rule, or regulation. This procedure has been developed to ensure fairness to everyone involved, and to give the administration the opportunity to correct situations in a timely manner when the facts warrant it. This procedure also allows employees to appeal what they consider to be unsatisfactory decisions to higher levels of the College administration.
The Problem Resolution Procedure described below should be followed when an employee believes a policy, rule, or regulation has been violated by a member(s) of the College community. If problems or concerns arise connected with employment, the employee should:
2) If the manager / department chair is unable to resolve the issue to the employee's satisfaction, the employee may discuss the issue with his/her department manager and/or the Assistant Director, Human Resources or the Director, Human Resources. The department manager and/or Human Resources will make a decision based on the facts and College policy. The employee will generally receive a response within 10 working days.
3) If the department manager and Human Resources do not resolve the issue to the employee's satisfaction, the employee may refer the issue to the Vice President or Provost responsible for his/her department. The appropriate Vice President or the Provost will investigate the employee's issue by gathering all relevant facts, will review College policy, and will render a decision, generally within 10 working days. If additional time is required to investigate the issue, the employee will be notified.
4) If the employee is not satisfied with the Vice President/Provost's response, the employee may submit the issue to the College President. The President will review all relevant facts in relation to College policy. The President will communicate a decision to the employee, generally within 10 working days. The decision of the President will be final.
Note: The College, in its sole discretion, makes disciplinary and discharge decisions.
If a College employee feels he/she is being harassed in violoation of the College's anti-harassment policies, the Assistant Director, Human Resources or the Director, Human Resources is to be immediately notified. Please refer to the College's Sexual Harassment Policy and/or Anti-Harassment Policy for further details regarding reporting workplace harassment.
Faculty members can find further information in the Faculty Handbook. Concerns of students should be addressed based on procedures described in the College Life Manual.
