Grievance Procedures

CalArts supports a student’s right in filing a grievance when you believe you have been denied equal access in the form of appropriate accommodations, modifications, auxiliary aids or effective communication or suffered discriminatory harassment as described in the The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The general grievance procedures apply to all students, and  can be found in CalArts policies. 

The following steps are encouraged if a student with a disability would like to address their concerns about accommodations, or feel their rights have been violated under the ADA and 504.

1. Students are highly encouraged to discuss their concerns with their Disability Services Specialist. The specialist will attempt to resolve the issues by assisting the student in discussing the issues with their faculty member, the nature of the reasonable accommodation, department or program.  In some instances, the Vice President of Student Affairs or Provost or designee may be consulted in order to develop a resolution. Most situations are positively resolved throughout this process and mediation.
2. If the student or Disability Services Specialist feels that the resolution has not been reached, the student should notify the Disability Services Specialist immediately, and the specialist and the appropriate departments, depending on the nature of the claim, will evaluate the complaint and determine an appropriate resolution.
3. If the complaint is not resolved at the institute level, the student has the right to choose to file a complaint with the Federal Office for Civil Rights. This office will take complaints and will investigate when appropriate.  

Resolving conflicts with Disability Services

The procedure for resolving conflicts with Disability Services is similar to the Grievance Procedure steps. Initially, the student should discuss the complaint with their specialist. If the complaint is not resolved, or there is a specific reason the situation cannot be discussed with the specialist, the student should meet with the vice president of Student Affairs.

Contact a disability specialist or the vice president of Student Affairs:
661-253-7874
studentaffairs@calarts.edu

If a satisfactory solution is still not offered, the student may choose to file a complaint with the Federal Office of Civil Rights. These entities will take complaints and will investigate when appropriate. 

Federal Office for Civil Rights
Voice: 800-363-1019
TDD: 800-537-7697
Fax: 312-886-1807

Resolving alleged discrimination by another student

In situations where students allege discrimination by another student, students have the option of filing formal charges under the nondiscrimination policy located in our policies. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for further information.