If the associate dean for educational programs (ADEP) concludes that it should take jurisdiction, the ADEP or a delegate will engage in preliminary discussions about the grievance. This investigation may include discussion with all parties involved and consultation with other appropriate people. Subsequent steps may involve either formal or informal processes.

• Informal processes, such as restorative practices or mediation, will be considered in cases where all parties agree and are interested in such an approach. These practices may be facilitated by people inside or outside the School of Social Work, as deemed appropriate by the ADEP and in consultation with those parties involved. Parties who elect to engage in informal processes may still engage in more formal processes, should informal processes prove unsatisfactory.

• In cases where informal processes are not advisable or not consistent with the severity of the grievance, more formal steps may be taken. Written notice of a formal grievance shall be given to the aggrieved and the party or parties against whom the grievance is filed. Except for necessary communications between the principal parties to the grievance, and the ADEP office, all written documents submitted, and testimony taken shall be retained as confidential materials. Such records shall, however, be available to principal parties of the grievance. Any actions taken will be in line with School and University policies. Because these actions may include formal human resource responses, adherence to privacy regarding grievance outcomes will be respected for all involved parties.