Human Resources

6: Resources to Help You

The University offers programs designed to assist you with both professional and personal concerns. This section describes the programs and offices that can help you deal with these issues. By knowing what resources are available to you, you will be able to use them appropriately and effectively.

6.1 Employee Relations

The Employee Relations Division of Human Resource Services helps employees and supervisory staff identify and resolve performance or behavior concerns that may arise. The Employee Relations Division, in addition to administering the Grievance Program (see Section 6.2, "Complaints and Resolutions"), also offers advice on disciplinary and other performance issues as well as referrals to appropriate training programs.

6.2 Complaints and Resolutions

Supervisory personnel are trained in all aspects of supervision and in handling employment matters. If work-related problems develop, you should discuss your concerns with your supervisor. Most problems can be resolved in this manner. If a situation remains unresolved, however, you should discuss it with your department head. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the University provides employees with a grievance program. This program is coordinated by the Employee Relations Division and is appropriate for resolving work-related matters arising from alleged unfair treatment in matters such as work assignments, promotions, transfers, discipline, or termination.

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity coordinates the grievance program for work-related problems that involve allegations of discrimination (being treated differently) because of age, color, disability, national origin, race, sex, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable law.

Grievances must be filed within 15 calendar days of the challenged employment action, except for termination, which must be filed within 10 calendar days of the termination. Before filing a grievance, you must discuss the situation with a representative of the Employee Relations Division or the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and complete a request form. However, such a discussion does not extend the deadline for requesting a grievance hearing.

Medical residents may use the University's informal grievance procedures for work-related matters that involve allegations of discrimination (see above) and should consult the Resident Manual for additional information about other work-related matters. Employees represented by unions may use the University's grievance program for discrimination matters; all other work-related matters should be addressed through the union agreement. Separate grievance procedures are provided for faculty.

You may obtain information about procedures and forms for requesting a grievance hearing from the Employee Relations Division and from the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.

The Sexual Harassment Response Coordinator responds to questions and, if warranted, conducts investigations of complaints related to sexual harassment. If you feel that you are being or have been sexually harassed, please contact this office at (202) 994-6503.

6.3 Faculty/Employee Assistance Program

The Faculty/Employee Assistance Program (F/EAP) is a confidential counseling and referral service that is available to assist employees in working through a wide range of personal and work-related concerns. Some of these concerns include family problems, emotional disturbances, alcoholism and drug addiction, on-the-job stress, or problems with co-workers. The program director, a licensed employee assistance professional, provides problem assessment services and referrals to other resources in the community that might be of additional or more specialized help. You can contact the office at (202) 676-2002. You are encouraged to use this service, which is available at no charge.

© September 1999 The George Washington University. If you have questions or comments about the Employee Handbook, please fill out the Comment Sheet or email hrweb@gwu.edu.