SAS Student Grievance Procedure

Appeal and Complaints

UC Merced determines disability-related accommodations through an interactive process that involves disability services professionals, relevant university representatives, and the student.  This process is designed to be collaborative, but disagreements may occasionally arise when determining which accommodations are appropriate.  

In these situations, open communication is often the most effective way to reach a quick resolution.  If you have any concerns about your accommodations, the easiest and fastest step is to contact your SAS Access Specialist. The more details you can share, the better they can understand your needs and work together to resolve the issue. 

Appeal of Accommodation Determination: 

Students who disagree with their SAS Access Specialist's decision regarding the denial of a requested accommodation may appeal that decision.  

Informal Appeal – Students may request an informal review of their accommodation determination by contacting the SAS Director. This process begins with a meeting to discuss the concern and explore possible solutions. 

Formal Appeal – Students may request a formal appeal of their accommodation determination by submitting a written request to the SAS Director.  Students may request a formal appeal at any time, even if they have not gone through the informal process.   

Disability-Related Discrimination Complaint: 

Students who feel that they have been discriminated against on the basis of their disability may submit a complaint to resolve their concerns: 

• Formal complaint with the Office of Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). The OPHD process is not an appeal, review, or redetermination of accommodation recommendations; please see the appeals section above for that process. 
  • Any person who believes they have been subjected to disability discrimination, Sexual Harassment, or Sexual Violence, Discrimination, including Harassment, and Retaliation on the basis of a Protected Category may contact OPHD at any time. 
    • Online Reporting Form 
    • Location: Kolligian Library, 3rd floor, Room 323 
    • Email: ophd@ucmerced.edu  
    • Phone: 209-413-4652 
• External Resources for Complaint Resolution 
  • U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (ED-OCR) 
  • California Civil Rights Department (CRD)