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Wellesley College Athletics - Grievance Policy

Wellesley College Athletics Student-Athlete Handbook

PERA strives to create a positive environment for our student-athletes. At the same time, we recognize that occasionally, conflict may arise. Student-athletes are encouraged to first speak directly with their head coach to address any concerns. Most conflict is best resolved by the individuals directly involved confronting issues, communicating candidly and in good faith and jointly seeking resolution. If there is a student to student conflict, students are also able to utilize the procedures identified by the Honor Code Council.

The process below was designed to resolve issues within the Athletic Department in a fair, reasonable and transparent manner.  The process will end either when resolution is achieved or the process is completed. 

Steps to address conflict

  1. Every reasonable effort should be made by the student to initially raise the concern directly with the individual. If a conflict is not resolved directly between the individuals involved or if a concern is of a serious or sensitive nature that is not conducive to direct communication, the student should submit a grievance in writing to the Director of Athletics. The grievance should be as specific as possible regarding the actions that precipitated the grievance, including date, place, and people involved; efforts made to settle the matter informally; and the remedy sought. Of note, concerns regarding playing time must be handled directly between the student-athlete and head coach; these concerns may not follow this process.  

  2. Depending on the nature of the grievance, some matters must be referred to College policies (e.g. Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation,Sexual Misconduct Policy, and Honor Code).

If the matter is handled internally, the Director of Athletics (or designee) will conduct a fact-finding, including interviews and meetings as appropriate, and seek to bring about a mediated resolution. 

  1. At the conclusion of the fact finding, the Director of Athletics (or designee) will make recommendations as to whether any reparative or corrective actions are appropriate. The Director of Athletics will determine, in their sole discretion, next steps. The Director of Athletics will oversee the implementation of any reparative or corrective actions.