Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures (GAPP) Update: Dec 6th

On Dec 6th the GAPP Committee worked on sections E -H  of Section 1 and began discussion of Grievance Steps of Section 2.

In this meeting, the TAA proposed changing the 30 day window (in Article 4, Section 1F) to file a grievance to 120 days, the approximate length of a semester. This would allow the grievant a large enough window to file a grievance after their next work appointment has been secured. It would also allow enough time for a graduate employee to no longer be working for the supervisor they may have a grievance against. Furthermore, in comparison to other peer University’s grievance procedures, UW-Madison’s 30-day policy is on the lower end of the spectrum. The administration did not agree with the TAA’s standpoint, claiming that the longer window would make it difficult for recollecting incidents. Unable to find a resolution, the conversation was tabled to a future meeting.

There was also a less contentious but still unresolved discussion about language that ensures grievants are aware of their right to representation at each step of the process, but are not compelled to have representation. Both the TAA and administration agreed they need language that expresses this sentiment, but could not find yet satisfactory language. They will also revisit this conversation in upcoming meetings.

The meeting also brought us some decisive gains:

– the TAA won having more specific language as to how grievants will receive information about the grievance process. Now the procedure says grievants will be notified by email and by the mailing address they provide when they file a grievance, whereas before there was no specification about how communications would be received. This helps make sure a grievant will not miss important communications.

– the TAA struck language that allowed employer to file grievances against employees. Now only graduate employees may file grievances

The next GAPP meeting will be Dec 20th, 1-2:30 pm in Bascom Rm 334.

To see more GAPP updates, click here.