The University of Washington encourages prompt resolution of complaints about the behavior of its employees, as referenced in UW Administrative Policy Statement (APS) 46.3. You may seek resolution assistance regarding issues that include but are not restricted to:

  • Harassing, discriminatory or threatening behavior
  • Violation of university policy
  • Mistreatment of members of the public

Depending on the nature of your complaint, UW offers the following options for resolution:

LOCAL RESOLUTION

The goal of local resolution is to address and resolve problems as quickly and directly as possible, and to stop any inappropriate behavior that may be taking place. Local resolution generally involves a discussion of the employee’s concerns with the supervisor, administrator, or Human Resources. These are the people who may be closest to the issue and who are able to most quickly take any corrective measures that may be necessary. Local resolution may include a fact-finding investigation, the results of which will be reviewed with the individual raising the concern.

If your complaint involves discrimination and/or harassment based on protected characteristics, sexual misconduct or retaliation, please contact the Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC). 

OFFICE OF THE OMBUD

The University’s Ombud is a neutral third party, working within existing University policies and procedures to address and resolve disagreements informally. The goal is to achieve a fair and reasonable resolution of the complaint that is satisfactory to all parties involved. The person raising the complaint is actively involved in the process. The Ombud may facilitate mediation or conciliation between the parties.

The Office of the Ombud is available to all members of the University community for information, education, and a confidential consultation about a broad range of subjects. The Ombudsman will clarify the concerns of the person bringing a complaint and develop an action plan. No action will be taken by the Ombud's office without the explicit consent of the person seeking consultation.

When no resolution occurs, the Ombud will collaborate with the person raising the complaint to identify relevant referrals.

CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE OFFICE

The Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) is UW's central resource for preventing and responding to discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, sexual misconduct and retaliation. Through the CRC, civil rights case managers are available to assist students, staff and faculty in understanding their options, accessing resources and navigating University processes. The new Civil Rights Compliance Office will provide care and support for individuals involved in both civil rights and Title IX matters, coordinate the University’s response to reports and meet evolving federal regulatory requirements.

Please contact the CRC if you have experienced potential prohibited conduct or are aware of an incident affecting another community member. After a report is made, civil rights case managers will offer support and actively work with individuals to identify the best way to address their concerns, but making a report will not automatically initiate an investigation.

The best way to reach a case manager is to make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report on the CRC website. You can also email civilrights@uw.edu or call 206-221-7932. Anonymous reporting options are available.

Confidentiality

If you are concerned about confidentiality, you should discuss this early in your exploration of resolution options to gain a clear understanding of the nature of the confidentiality that is available. Public records law may require the disclosure of certain written documents, and allegations of serious misconduct (such as theft or illegal discrimination, including sexual harassment) must be reported to the appropriate authority.

Non-retaliation/Cooperation

University policy prohibits retaliation against people who bring a complaint or participate in the complaint process. An employee who is found to engage in retaliatory conduct is subject to appropriate corrective action, including dismissal. All University employees are required to participate, provide information as requested, and otherwise fully cooperate with the complaint process.  Reports related to retaliation should be made to the Civil Rights Compliance Office.

Use of Work Time

You are entitled to use some work time to resolve a complaint. In order to be paid for time away from work, you must first obtain approval from your supervisor. In situations where you may not want to notify your supervisor of your concern or complaint, you may be able to arrange a meeting (with an HRC, the Ombud's Office, or the Civil Rights Compliance Office using paid leave, or during a time outside your normal work schedule. Questions about using paid release time can be directed to Human Resources.

Reporting Requirements

University employees with reporting obligations are required to share information about potential prohibited conduct they become aware of with the University’s Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC). Employees and students without reporting obligations are strongly encouraged to share concerns with CRC to access support and resources. Review requirements for employees with obligations to report.

Determining How to Pursue a Complaint

Think about your goals for resolving your complaint:

  • Contact the University's Civil Rights Compliance Office if you believe that a violation of the University’s non-discrimination and/or non-retaliation policies has occurred.
  • If you are comfortable discussing the complaint or concern with your supervisor, department administrator, and/or Human Resources, report your complaint to one of these individuals and explain what action you would like to see taken.
  • If you are interested in a process which emphasizes mediation or conciliation, explore your concerns with the Ombud. Mediation or conciliation involves meeting with the person whose conduct is in question and attempting to resolve the complaint or concern with assistance from the Ombud.

If your complaint involves misuse of University resources including fraud or other financial irregularities, contact the Department of Internal Audit. See also APS 47.10 on whistle-blowing.