Current through Bulletin 2024-06, March 15, 2024
(1) Grievance and Appeals Procedures: A
student applicant may file a grievance with the UNTF Education Specialist if
the student disagrees with the decision rendered regarding his/her funding.
(a) The written grievance shall be submitted
to the Education Specialist within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date the
adverse decision was mailed to the student.
(b) The written grievance statement must
contain a justification for re-consideration of the Education Specialist's
decision, including attachment of documents which may support such
justification.
(2) The
Education Specialist shall report receipt of the written grievance to the UNTF
Financial Manager for review. The UNTF Financial Manager shall make a
determination regarding the substance of the grievance within fifteen (15)
calendar days of receipt of the written grievance.
(a) If the grievant is dissatisfied with the
Financial Manager's decision, an appeal may be filed with UNTF.
(i) To appeal the decision of the UNTF
Financial Manager, an applicant may submit a written request for a hearing to
the UNTF Scholarship Appellate Committee within fifteen (15) calendar days from
the date the adverse decision was mailed to the student, via the Education
Specialist.
(A) The Applicant must include a
written justification statement setting forth with specificity the reason(s)
why the decisions made by the Higher Education Specialist and the Financial
Manager should be reversed.
(B) The
Applicant shall include copies of all documentation supporting the
justification identified in the Applicant's statement.
(ii) The Appellate Committee must commence a
hearing with within fifteen (15) calendar days of the receipt of the
request.
(iii) The student shall be
notified in writing by certified mail fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the
hearing.
(iv) A decision by the
Appellate Committee shall be rendered within fifteen (15) calendar days after
the Committee hearing.
(3) Appellate Committee
(a) The Appellate Committee is comprised of:
1) two members of the UNTF Dine' Advisory
Committee,
2) the UNTF
Administrator,
3) a college student,
and
4) a representative from another
state agency or institution of higher learning.
(b) The Appellate Committee may choose not to
hear a case if the grieving party has not submitted a justification in writing
with appropriate and necessary supportive documentation.
(4) Appellate Committee Hearing Procedures
(a) Attorneys, court advocates, or any type of legal representation are not
allowed in the Appellate Committee Hearing. Family members or other persons are
not allowed in the Committee Hearing. The attendees of the hearing will consist
of the Appellate Committee members, the UNTF Education Specialist, and the
Applicant (Grievant).
(b) A letter will be
sent to the UNTF Education Specialist and the Student/Grievant of the Appellate
Committee's decision on the matter. This will be the final decision and final
step of the UNTF Appeal and Grievance process.