Complaints & Grievances

Alverno College continuously works to provide an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and intolerance. This response protocol for complaints and concerns should be viewed as part of a larger effort to create an inclusive living, learning, and working environment. Prevention is preferable to response, yet we know that our work on behalf of prevention is ongoing. Bias related incidents occur and deserve responsible attention, with clear means of communication. The goal is to promote more conversation and listening and to work from a restorative approach.

When an incident of discrimination, harassment, bias, disrespect occur, they may not necessarily rise to the level of a crime, a violation of state law, college policy, or the student code of conduct. It can, however, contribute to creating a negative, hostile, or unwelcome environment. Creating dialogue opportunities and protocol for all incidents to be addressed can help reduce the impact of harmful behaviors that accumulate over time and can create a chilling or hostile effect for others. We have responsibility as community members to come together in our shared values and mission to denounce such acts. This protocol is intended to address incidents that happen within the Alverno College community.

Reporting

Alverno College urges all members of the community to report any bias related incidents. There are several ways to address and report an incident:

• Seek campus support – Students are encouraged to speak to College officials to report incidents of bias (e.g. academic deans, administrators with supervisory responsibilities, campus safety, human resources).
• Seek confidential support – To be assured the report will remain confidential, consult with Alverno's Director of Counseling Services or the Careline, a 24/7 online mental health service.  Each will offer confidential resources and options.  These individuals are not required to tell anyone else private, personally identifiable information unless there is reason to fear for the safety of the victim or other community members. 
• Report your experience online through Blaze:
  • Log in using your Alverno username and password.
  • Select the Ask for Help Icon (there is an image of a red and white life preserver).
  • Select the Referral Form called “Student Complaint or Concern” from the dropdown.
  • Share the information regarding your situation.
  • You will receive contact from a professional staff member within 2 business days of the form being completed.
• You may submit a phone report by calling the Dean of Students Office at 414-382-6118 during business hours. If you choose to leave a message your call be will returned at the earliest possible time. You can also call Campus Safety at 414-382-6158 (non-emergency) or 414-382-6911 (emergency).

Response

After the incident is reported:

• The Dean of Students or designee will review the complaint.
• A professional staff member will reach out to the reporting party regarding the incident that occurred.
• Interim measures may be put in place pending the outcome of the investigation.
• Both (all) parties are assigned a designated support person to guide them through the complaint process.  Either party may refuse the assistance of a support person.
• The facts of the complaint are investigated as presented by the person making the complaint, the respondent, and any witnesses.
• The summary of the investigation is submitted to the Assistant Dean of Student who will review the information and determine appropriate next steps. 

Examples of responses could include, but are not limited to:

• A facilitated conversation between involved parties
• Restorative circles – Several members of the Alverno College staff are trained as facilitators for restorative circles. Those individuals could be brought in to work with those affected by the incident.
• Changes in policies or procedures – Depending on the nature of the incident, a change in policy or procedure may be warranted. Those affected by the incident would be consulted regarding any changes.
• Educational programs – Bias related incidents may indicate a need for education in our community in order to remedy harm done, and to provide opportunities for reflection and growth.  Such educational efforts are not part of the investigation process and are not intended to be punitive. Appropriate staff and faculty will work with students to plan timely educational opportunities that are reflective of diverse learning styles and address relevant issues from multiple perspectives.
• Consultation with outside organizations.

Confidentiality

Anyone reporting a bias related incident can request confidentiality. In the event of such a request, reasonable steps to review the incident and respond consistent with this request will be made. Limits to the review or response based on this request should be discussed throughout the process with all individuals involved.

On-Campus Resources

• Campus Safety: FO 254; security@alverno.edu; 414-382-6911 or 414-382-6158
• Counseling & Health Services: AF 208; 414-382-6119 or 414-382-6319
• Dean of Students Office: FO 119; 414-382-6118

Off-Campus Resources

• The Healing Center: 414-671-4325 for individual counseling, advocacy, and support groups
• Milwaukee LGBT Community Center: 414 271-2656. Includes outreach to LGBT youth, adults, and their allies, and a mental health clinic for confidential outpatient care
• Milwaukee Police Department District 6: 414-933-4444 for police officers in the district where Alverno resides
• The Zeidler Group: 414-239-8555, 631 N. 19th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233