University of Houston Promotion and Tenure Grievance Procedures

On a promotion or tenure matter the following procedures for grievance shall be followed:
 

A. In his/her written appeal or grievance to the Grievance Committee, the faculty member shall set forth in detail the nature of the grievance and shall submit factual material pertinent to his/her case. The appeal shall include a statement that the faculty member consents to the Grievance Committee having access to all materials and documents considered by the reviewing bodies.

B. If the faculty member alleges that adequate consideration of his/her qualifications was not given in the decision for nonrenewal of appointment, the committee shall decide whether or not to recommend reconsideration by the Provost, with the understanding that the committee shall not substitute its judgment for that of the review bodies. The term "adequate consideration" implies essentially procedural rather than substantive issues, but primary among the committee's concerns shall be whether proper attention has been paid to all relevant substantive issues. If the University Grievance Committee recommends reconsideration, the committee shall indicate in what respects it believes the initial consideration may have been inadequate. If the committee decides that adequate consideration has been provided, its decision shall be considered final. Any committee decision shall be reported in writing and transmitted promptly to the faculty member, the department chair, the college dean, and the Provost. In all actions resulting from a recommendation to reconsider, the decision of the Provost shall be final.

C. If the faculty member alleges that violations of academic freedom significantly contributed to a decision not to reappoint him/her, the committee shall decide whether or not there should be a formal hearing. If the committee decides in favor of holding a formal hearing, the matter will be heard in the manner set forth below in the section on "Dismissal of Faculty Members with Tenure and Special or Probationary Appointments Before the End of the Specified Term of Appointment," except that the faculty member making the grievance is responsible for stating the grounds upon which he/she bases his/her allegations, and that the burden of proof shall rest upon him/her. If he/she succeeds in establishing a prima facie case, it is incumbent upon those who contributed to the decision not to reappoint him/her to come forward with evidence in support of the decision. If the committee decides against holding a formal hearing, its decision and the reasons therefore shall be stated in writing and transmitted promptly to the faculty member, the department chair, the college dean, the Provost, and the President.

For additional information: call the Office of the Provost, ext. 39101.