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Employee Relations

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Employee Relations assists employees and managers with a variety of workplace issues, including job performance and conduct concerns. We also interpret and ensure compliance with Â鶹´«Ã½ policies and applicable employment laws. Our mission is to create an inclusive and productive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

We can be reached at (202) 885-2607 or employeerelations@american.edu.

Complaint Policy and Procedures

Clear and open channels for the expression of employee complaints are basic principles of sound employee relations. Because employees do on occasion differ with supervisors on important questions, Â鶹´«Ã½ has provided subordinates with a mechanism for appealing the action or decision of a superior to a higher level within the organization without fear of retaliation.

Each staff member is responsible for using this procedure in a timely manner whenever there are unanswered questions or problems which adversely affect any aspect of the employment relationship (except for complaints involving discrimination or harassment which are covered by the Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy). For more information on the complaint procedure, please visit the Staff Personnel Policies Manual. Employee Relations is also available for consultation and advice about how to resolve problems or file a complaint.

Equal Employment

Â鶹´«Ã½ is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The University prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) against any AU community member on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases").

The University will respond promptly and effectively to reports of discrimination and will take appropriate action to prevent, to correct, and if necessary, to discipline individuals who violate this policy. For more information about making a report regarding discrimination or harassment, please visit the University Policies to view the current Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy.

Â鶹´«Ã½ supports the policies of the Â鶹´«Ã½s with Disabilities Act and is completely committed to treating all applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with the requirements of that statute. The University judges individuals by their abilities, not their disabilities, and seeks to give full and equal employment opportunities to all persons capable of performing successfully in the University's positions. Â鶹´«Ã½ will provide reasonable accommodations to any qualified persons with disabilities who require them, and urges employees and applicants who may be disabled and require accommodation to advise the University of their particular needs. Information concerning individuals' disabilities is considered confidential and their need for accommodation will be handled with the utmost discretion.

Employees and applicants who want to request a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office of Employee Relations at extension 2607. Any employee or applicant who believes that they may have been discriminated against based on their disability should refer to the Discrimination and Sexual Harassment complaint procedures. Employees or applicants may also contact the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources to appeal reasonable accommodation decisions.

The University maintains an affirmative action program in compliance with the law to promote equal employment opportunity access for all persons, including women, minorities, individuals with a disability and protected veterans. The University assesses the effectiveness of the affirmative action program through internal monitoring and reporting systems and updates it on an ongoing basis.

Hiring managers and search committee members should contact Employee Relations at extension 2607 for more information on affirmative action briefings.