Student Accommodation Grievance Procedure
A student with grievances about their accommodations should first work with Access Services staff to address and resolve the issue. If a resolution is not found with the staff, the student may pursue any of the following options:
Option 1: Contact the Associate Dean of Student Advising and Support Services, Dr. Brad Baranowski, within 30 days of the alleged act of discrimination. When speaking with the associate dean, students should be prepared to provide:
- A clear statement of the problem to be reviewed and a summary of actions the student has taken to resolve the problem, if any.
- A description of the relevant facts, including parties involved and documents related to the problem, and timeline of events.
- Contact information of the student submitting the complaint.
If a resolution is not found between the complainant and the associate dean, the student may move to Option 2.
Option 2: Follow the same steps listed above in Option 1. Contact the Vice President of Student Services, Krista Francis. If a resolution is not found between the complainant and the vice president, the student may move to Option 3.
Option 3: Follow the same steps listed above in Option 1. Contact the President of Peninsula College, Dr. Suzy Ames. If a resolution is not found between the complainant and the president, the student may move to option 4.
Option 4: Students may contact of the US Department of Office of Civil Rights directly:
915 Second Ave., Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Telephone: 206-607-1600
Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov
Note: A student can select Option 4 at any point in the process.
Protection from Retaliation
Peninsula College prohibits retaliation against any person who files a grievance alleging disability discrimination. Any concerns about retaliation should be taken to the ADA Coordinator, Kelley Opdyke, immediately.
General Grievance Procedure
Peninsula College recognizes its responsibilities for investigation, resolution, implementation of corrective measures, and monitoring the education environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination. The college follows an approved College Board policy (505.01) and procedure when a report is made: WAC 132A-350-015 and WAC 132A-350-020.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Any student who feels that they have been discriminated against based on their disability should file a grievance by any of the following actions:
- File an online report by clicking on PC CARES Report
- Contact the ADA Coordinator, Kelley Opdyke
- Tell a trusted Peninsula College employee and ask for their help reporting
Peninsula College provides equal opportunity in education, employment, and college activities regardless of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other unlawful basis. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination or sexual misconduct policies, contact Title IX Coordinator and Vice President of HR/DEI (Hanan Zawideh, 360/417-6298), or ADA Coordinator (Kelley Opdyke, 360/417-6298), 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd. Port Angeles, WA.