Hearings:
Step 1: Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Director to whom the complaint was forwarded shall, within five (5) business days, conduct a formal conference with the complainant, permitting her or him to provide any necessary information relevant to the complaint. The Director shall also meet with the respondent and conduct such additional investigation as he or she deems necessary. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a written recommendation shall be rendered within five (5) business days of the formal conference unless an extension is mutually agreed to by the parties. The recommendation shall be sent to the complainant and respondent. The written recommendation shall state the background information the rationale for the recommendation, and the recommended remedy (if any). No transcript or recording of the conference shall be made by either party. For monitoring purposes, a copy of the report shall be sent to the Department officer who received the initial complaint.
Step 2: If the complaint is not resolved at Step 1, the complainant or respondent may, within ten (10) business days of receipt of the Step 1 recommendation, appeal to the Vice President administratively responsible for the unit of the Department(s) in which the alleged policy violation(s) occurred. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Vice President or President shall hold a hearing within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the appeal or complaint. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a written recommendation shall be rendered within ten (10) business days of such hearing. The complainant and the respondent shall be afforded the opportunity to testify, to call witnesses and to introduce documentary evidence. No transcript or recording shall be made of the hearing. For monitoring purposes, a copy of the report shall be sent to the Technical College officer who received the initial complaint.
Step 3: In the event that the complaint is not resolved at Step 2, the complainant or respondent may file an appeal with the President, within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the recommendation.
Step 4: Absent extraordinary circumstances, the President shall, within five (5) business days refer the complainant or respondent to a Grievance Hearing Officer that is appointed by the President. The Step 3 hearing shall be held as soon as practicable and normally within twenty (20) business days of referral of the complaint to the Grievance Hearing Officer or by the President. The complainant and the respondent shall have the right to call witnesses, to testify and to present relevant documentary evidence. The complainant and the respondent shall have the right to cross-examine all witnesses. A tape recording of the proceeding shall be made and a copy shall be provided, at cost, to the complainant and to the respondent. Following the hearing, the Grievance Hearing Officer shall, absent extraordinary circumstances, render a report and recommendation to the President within twenty business days following the hearing. The report shall contain specific findings of fact and recommendations. Upon consideration of the report and recommendation, the President shall render a decision in writing and communicate the same to the complainant, the respondent, and to the TCSG monitoring officer.