Academic Senate (with aerial photo of campus in background)
Photograph © 2003 by Alan Nyiri, courtesy of the Atkinson Photographic Archive.

Grievance Advisory Committee (GAC)

Committee Members 2012-2013

Committee Charge

The Grievance Advisory Committee, exclusive of the ex officio members, advises faculty on grievance procedures concerning their rights and privileges and advises all members of the University community on procedures for charges resulting from alleged violation of the Faculty Code of Conduct. It consults, as needed, with departmental chairs and deans on questions concerning promotion and appointment, as well as disciplinary matters. It also conducts periodic review of the grievance procedures, making recommendations to the Senate regarding required changes or modifications in the system. The Committee meets with individuals as needed, and as a committee, quarterly.

Grievance Advisory Committee (GAC) is primarily advisory for complaints against faculty and/or administration that may be directed to the Charges Committee or to the Committee on Privilege and Tenure (P&T). The Committee advises the faculty members on whether or how to proceed with a grievance (such as lack of compliance with applicable procedures regarding personnel actions) or a charge (such as a violation of the Faculty Code of Conduct) and which standing committee (Charges or P&T) is appropriate. The Committee assists faculty, staff, and students in choosing the appropriate route for a formal complaint or grievance and advises in the preparation of the complaint.

Anyone wishing to speak to a counselor is encouraged to contact John Leary in the Academic Senate Office at 310-206-2469 or by email to jleary@senate.ucla.edu.

Interactions with Administration

The Committee meets as needed with administrators. The counselors interact with the Ombuds Office, the Student Affairs Office and other Offices in their attempt to resolve issues. No established interaction pattern with any administrator.

Issues, Concerns, Goals

The Committee will attempt to mediate complaints or grievances, effecting resolution where possible. Complainants and accused faculty members are advised to consult with the Committee before proceeding either to Charges or to Privilege and Tenure.

Membership

The committee consists of seven faculty members: five appointed for up to 3 years by the Committee on Committees and confirmed by the Legislative Assembly from members of the Senate who have already served at least two years on Privilege and Tenure and/or Charges; the Chair of Privilege and Tenure, ex officio; and the Chair of Charges, ex officio. Committee on Committees appoints and Legislative Assembly confirms the Chair.

COMMITTEE MANUAL

Committee Service: If you are an Academic Senate member and have an interest in serving on this, or any other Academic Senate committee, please take a moment to indicate your preferences for service on our Committee Volunteer Form.

By actively participating in Senate Committees, we ensure that academic and administrative decisions are informed and enriched by broad faculty input. Thank you for your interest in shared Faculty Governance.