NIU’s new Grievance Committee now will accept complaints from faculty members dissatisfied with the actions or conduct of staff, faculty or administration.

Joel Swift, College of Law associate professor, was elected chairman of the committee, which is composed of faculty from all of NIU’s degree-granting colleges.

Swift said, “My election as chair was mainly due to the fact that I’m a lawyer, and I can make use of what law experience I have.”

Although the committee was formed to hear faculty complaints, members have been asked to report problems they come across to their faculty personnel adviser or to the ombudsman, who will try to solve any problems.

If no solution is reached within 30 days, petitions are then presented to the Grievance Committee, which will consider the problem.

When the petition is received, the Grievance Committee decides whether it will be considered, decided upon or if it is serious enough to be proposed as a full hearing.

Although an organizational meeting was held, the committee has yet to hear a case, Swift said.

Grievance Committee members are unsure of which problems they will be presented with, Swift said.

A grievance, as defined by University Council policy, is “a faculty member’s claim of unfair treatment or a dissatisfaction with actions or conduct by the administration, faculty or staff which disregards or violates university rules or policies, adversely affects working conditions or violates the rights of a faculty member.”

After the committee comes up with recommendations, they are submitted to NIU President John LaTourette, who has 15 days to consider the judgement and to offer any reservations he might have.