Grievance Policy

Accessibility Services (AS) Grievance Procedure

Accessibility Services at Youngstown State University (YSU) provides individualized assistance to students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. YSU affirms this commitment through its equal opportunity policies (Policy 2001.03 and 7001.02), and in compliance with:

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended in 2008
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Ohio Revised Code 4112

 

Students have the right to file a grievance if they believe they have been denied:

  • Equal access to programs or services
  • Reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids
  • Protection from discriminatory harassment

 

Filing a Grievance:

Students are encouraged to follow the four-step process outlined below. However, students may also file complaints directly with the following agencies:

  • YSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Policy Development
  • The State of Ohio Civil Rights Commission
  • U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

Additionally, students should review the YSU Policy Register for more on academic and non-academic grievance procedures.

 

 

Four Steps to Addressing and Resolving a Complaint

 

Step 1: Accessibility Services Coordinator or Director

Students should begin by discussing the issue with their assigned Coordinator at:

Accessibility Services DeBartolo Hall, 
Room 357

Early discussion is encouraged. The office may consult other university personnel as needed. Students and staff will work together to reach a resolution.

If no resolution is reached, proceed to Step 2.

 

Step 2: Associate Provost for Student Success

Submit a written appeal within 15 business days of the Step 1 outcome to:

Office of the Associate Provost for Student Success 
Jones Hall, YSU

The appeal should include:

  • A detailed description of the complaint
  • Supporting documentation
  • Summary of Step 1 outcome
  • Desired resolution

A response will be issued within 15 business days (excluding holidays and breaks).

If unresolved, proceed to Step 3.

 

Step 3: Office of Equal Opportunity and Policy Development

Submit a written appeal within 15 business days of the Step 2 outcome to:

Office of Equal Opportunity and Policy Development 
Tod Hall, YSU

The office will determine whether to pursue informal resolution or conduct a formal investigation per Policy 2001.03.

Include the following in your appeal:

  • Description of original complaint and appeal
  • Supporting documentation
  • Desired resolution
  • Written response from Step 2

If unresolved, internal complaint procedures are considered exhausted.

 

Step 4: External Agencies

If still unresolved, students may file a complaint with:

  • Ohio Civil Rights Commission (within 180 days)
  • U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (within 180 days)
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (within 300 days, for employment-related complaints)
  • Ohio Legal Rights Service

Each agency has its own investigation procedures and timelines.

 

 

Contact Information:

Accessibility Services

Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555 
Phone: (330) 941-1372

 

Associate Provost for Student Success

Jones Hall Phone: (330) 941-1467

 

Office of Equal Opportunity and Policy Development

Tod Hall Phone: (330) 941-2216

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

Phone: (312) 886-8434 TDD: (312) 353-2540 Fax: (312) 353-4888

 

Ohio Civil Rights Commission (Akron Office)

Phone: (330) 643-3100 TDD: (330) 643-1488 Fax: (330) 643-3120

 

Ohio Legal Rights Service

Phone/TDD: (614) 766-7264 Fax: (614) 644-1888

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

1240 E. 9th Street, Suite 3001
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone/TTY: 1-800-669-6820