Dispute Resolution

Disputes and Appeals

Though RCPD staff enjoys a reputation of fairness, compassion, and integrity, the possibility always exists for disagreements about disability determination, appropriateness of accommodations, or service quality. In the event a disagreement should arise, you are encouraged to make use of the following options for dispute resolution and appeal:

  1. Informal discussion with specialist and/or formal dispute with RCPD (service quality or accommodation determinations)

    and/or

  2. File an appeal of with the University's ADA Coordinator (accommodation determinations only)

Please review the MSU Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy for full details.

1. Students: Informal Discussions and/or Formal Dispute with RCPD

  • First, if you feel comfortable, discuss your concerns with your RCPD Specialist. Be prepared to consider alternative solutions and perspectives.
  • If this discussion does not resolve the situation, you may submit concerns about service quality and/or a disability/accommodation determination to the Director/Associate Director of the RCPD. The Director/Associate Director will gather details from each person involved in the situation, meet individually or as a group with those involved, and ultimately seek a resolution or provide an official office position on the disagreement. Please use the Dispute Resolution Form in order to provide a clear description of the factors related to the disagreement.
  • Faculty/instructors are also able to dispute student accommodation determinations.

2. Students & Employees/Supervisors, etc.: File an Appeal with the ADA Coordinator

  • If you disagree with the RCPD's or Office of Employee and Labor Relation's (ELR)* determination to grant or deny an accommodation, the decision may be appealed to the University's ADA and Section 504 Coordinator using the Incident Reporting Form or sent in writing:


    Tracy A. Leahy
    ADA and Section 504 Coordinator
    Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
    Room 4 Olds Hall
    East Lansing, MI 48824
    (517) 355-3960
    ocr@msu.edu
    OCR.tracyleahy@msu.edu
    www.civilrights.msu.edu/ada_coordinator

    *Employee appeals go directly to the ADA Coordinator. RCPD's Dispute Resolution process above does not apply to employee determinations.

  • Appeals of an ELR or RCPD decision must be filed with the Office of the ADA Coordinator within 30 calendar days of the party’s notification of the decision. This time limitation can be extended for good cause, as determined by the ADA Coordinator.
  • Students, faculty, staff, employees, supervisors, colleges, departments, programs, units, applicants for employment, program and event participants, and members of the public may appeal a decision to grant or deny an accommodation, to the ADA Coordinator