It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, martial status, age, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates, in accordance with civil rights legislation and University commitment. It is also Northwestern University policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. In response to a request made by a qualified student with a documented disability, the University will arrange, at no cost to the student, for the provision of educational auxiliary aids, including sign language interpreters, real-time captioners, note takers, readers, and tutors, determined by the University to be necessary to afford the student with a disability the opportunity for full participation in University programs.
Students have the option of pursuing either an informal complaint or a formal grievance.
If a student opts to pursue an informal complaint, he or she may later pursue a formal grievance if not satisfied with the resolution of the informal process. As a result of these discussions, including the development of strategies for empowering the student to deal with the situation him or herself or having the person who has received the grievance take it under review, a satisfactory resolution may be readily found. A student who wishes to file a formal grievance may do so in writing over his or her signature with the director of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and disability services or the vice president for student affairs. All other grievances shall be investigated and reviewed by the director of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and disability services. The purpose of the review is to determine whether or not University policy has been followed and, if not, to address the consequences that may have resulted and shall be corrected.