Filing a Complaint

|Filing a UHAS Complaint| |Filing a SAHAS Complaint|

Filing a UHAS Complaint

Jurisdiction of UHAS

UHAS shall have jurisdiction over all cases, other than those arising because of unsatisfactory academic work, that have not been resolved administratively by the Division of Student Affairs and that may call for discipline of a student, group of students, or student organization (undergraduate or graduate) of any school arising out of conduct that occurred during the time the student or students at issue were enrolled, including cases concerning the rights or property of the University or of the members of the University community and the rights and property of any person if the acts complained of occurred
(1) on University premises;
(2) at a University activity, program, function, or sponsored event;
(3) in the off-campus residence of any University student or on any street or area contiguous thereto; or
(4) on premises subject to the jurisdiction of University Police whether on or off University property. 

These provisions shall not apply to cases of alleged sexual harassment until the administrative procedures set forth in the University Policy on Sexual Harassment have been exhausted.

Who Can File a UHAS Complaint?


A student, group of students, student organization, or the University may file a complaint against a student, group of students, or student organization.  Action will begin with the filing of a written complaint with the office of the executive secretary, Rm 7 of Scott Hall.

When Can a UHAS Complaint be Filed?

All complaints must be filed within one calendar year after the alleged action referred to in the complaint occurred except (1) where the delay was caused by the actual lack of knowledge by the complainant of the act or its consequences, in which case the complaint must be filed not later than one year after discovery by the complainant of the act or its consequences, but in no event more than two years after the alleged act occurred; or (2) where the charge alleges sexual harassment and the complainant has pursued his or her administrative remedies first. In such cases, the UHAS complaint must be filed within 90 days following the conclusion of the administrative process.  IT IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO FILE THE COMPLAINT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ALLEGED VIOLATION OCCURS.
 
If a complaint appears to the executive secretary to be frivolous or malicious, it shall immediately be referred to the chair of the University Appeals Board, who may dismiss the complaint on either ground.

The UHAS Complaint Form
 
In order to file a complaint, print out the UHAS Complaint Form. The form is also available in the Office of Judicial Affairs (Rm. 7, Scott Hall).  The complaint should specify the rule or regulation allegedly violated and state briefly the circumstances that form the basis of the allegation(s).   A signed hard copy of the complaint, and an electronic copy, if possible, should promptly be given to the UHAS executive secretary to begin processing.

A copy of each complaint will be delivered electronically or by posting in United States or campus mail to the student, group of students, or student organization complained against at the current address in the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of all students to keep their addresses current with the University.

The executive secretary is available for assistance to both the complainant(s) and the respondent(s). 

Once filed, a complaint may be withdrawn at the option of the person filing the complaint.
 
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Filing a SAHAS Complaint

Jurisdiction of SAHAS

The Sexual Assault Hearing Board has exclusive jurisdiction over all cases alleging sexual assault, as defined in Student Handbook (p. 41), that occurred during the time when the complainant and respondent were students, and the acts complained of occurred:
(1) on University premises;
(2) at a University activity, program, function, or sponsored event;
(3) in the off-campus residence of any University student or on any street or area contiguous thereto; or
(4) on premises subject to the jurisdiction of University Police whether on or off University property.

Neither the jurisdiction of the University Hearing Board nor that of the Chicago Campus Hearing and Appeals System will supersede that of this Sexual Assault Hearing Board.  Nothing herein shall prevent a student who believes himself or herself to be the victim of a sexual assault from filing a criminal complaint instead of, or in addition to, a complaint under these provisions.

Who Can File a SAHAS Complaint?

A student who believes him- or herself to be a victim of a sexual assault as defined herein may file a written complaint with the office of the executive secretary.  Action will begin with the filing of a written complaint with the office of the executive secretary, Rm 7 of Scott Hall.

When Can a SAHAS Complaint be Filed?

All complaints alleging sexual assault must be filed within one year after the alleged assault unless exceptional circumstances prevented compliance with the one-year provision.

The SAHAS Complaint Form  

In order to file a complaint, print out the SAHAS Complaint Form. The form is also available from the Office of Judicial Affairs (Rm. 7, Scott Hall).  At a minimum, it must include the time and place of the alleged assault, the name(s) of the accused and his or her (their) status at the University (if known), as well as a brief statement of the act or acts that constituted the alleged assault.  A complaint lacking such specificity will be returned to the complainant for clarification by the office of the executive secretary. The executive secretary is available for assistance if needed.  A copy of the complaint should promptly be given to the executive secretary to begin processing.

A copy of each complaint will be delivered electronically or by posting in United States or campus mail to the student(s) complained against at the current address in the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of all students to keep their addresses current with the University.

The executive secretary is available for assistance to both the complainant(s) and the respondent(s). 

Once filed, a complaint may be withdrawn at the option of the student filing the complaint.

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