Freedom of Access/ Nondiscrimination

Jose Maria Vargas University is open to all students who are qualified according to its published admission standards. The University encourages applications from qualified applicants of both sexes from all cultural, racial, religious and ethnic groups. The University is committed to nondiscrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, veteran status, political affiliations or opinions.  All university employees have a responsibility to keep the work environment free of discrimination. When the university is made aware of an act of discrimination, it is obligated by law to take immediate and appropriate action. For the purpose of this regulation, discrimination is defined as any disparity of treatment or limitation of access based on race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, veteran status, political affiliations or opinions.  

All acts of discrimination must be documented in writing, specifying the basis for discrimination. The complainant must enumerate all types of discrimination in the statement, identify the offender, and turn in complaint to Student Development or Human Resources, as appropriate. Should a student feel discriminated by a member of the Student Development Department, the student must submit the complaint to the academic coordinator of his or her concentration, or to another university official. In absence of a written complaint, the employee or faculty member who received the complaint must document it in a memorandum to be referred to Student Development or Human Resources, as appropriate. Unless it is signed by complainant, it will be an informal complaint. Jose Maria Vargas University will investigate all complaints. Investigations may include interviews, preparation of statements, reports with summary of the investigation, description of investigation process, findings and recommendations. Reports will be kept confidential at the Department of Student Development and/or Human Resources, depending on the individual(s) involved.

 

The University may attempt conciliation between the parties involved. If conciliation is not achieved, the designated official from the university will issue a final report. Final reports shall be issued within 60 days of receiving the complaint. The alleged offender and complainant will be notified in writing of the outcomes, and procedures for appeal.  Upon this final report, corrective action, including sanctions, will be considered and implemented.

 

Claims to be found frivolous will result in appropriate sanctions against complainant, as determined by Student Development or Human Resources. Possible sanctions may include, but are not limited to written reprimands on the student or employee’s record, restriction or loss of privileges, and suspension. Complaints may be withdrawn, but JMVU reserves the right to continue investigating as it was made aware of a possible act of discrimination. Any attempt(s) at retaliation shall be treated as a separate allegation of discrimination.

 

By the time a determination of appropriate disciplinary action or resolution has been reached, all parties have been contacted and circumstances have been fully evaluated. However, individuals have five days to appeal determination of sanctions. Such appeals shall be directed to a higher university authority, who will re-evaluate the determination as deemed appropriate.