R661-6-801. Grievance and Appeal Procedures

  (1) Grievance and Appeals Procedures: A student applicant may file a grievance with the UNTF Education Specialist if the student disagrees with the decision rendered regarding his/her funding.

  (a) The written grievance shall be submitted to the Education Specialist within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the adverse decision was mailed to the student.

  (b) The written grievance statement must contain a justification for re-consideration of the Education Specialist's decision, including attachment of documents which may support such justification.

  (2) The Education Specialist shall report receipt of the written grievance to the UNTF Financial Manager for review. The UNTF Financial Manager shall make a determination regarding the substance of the grievance within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the written grievance.

  (a) If the grievant is dissatisfied with the Financial Manager's decision, an appeal may be filed with UNTF.

  (i) To appeal the decision of the UNTF Financial Manager, an applicant may submit a written request for a hearing to the UNTF Scholarship Appellate Committee within ten (10) calendar days via the Education Specialist.

  (A) The Applicant must include a written justification statement setting forth with specificity the reason(s) why the decisions made by the Higher Education Specialist and the Financial Manager should be reversed.

  (B) The Applicant shall include copies of all documentation supporting the justification identified in the Applicant's statement.

  (ii) The Appellate Committee must commence a hearing with within fourteen (14) calendar days of the receipt of the request.

  (iii) The student shall be notified in writing by certified mail seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing.

  (iv) A decision by the Appellate Committee shall be rendered within (15) calendar days after the Committee hearing.

  (3) Appellate Committee

  (a) The Appellate Committee is comprised of: 1) two members of the UNTF Dine' Advisory Committee, 2) the UNTF Administrator, 3) a college student, and 4) a representative from another state agency or institution of higher learning.

  (b) The Appellate Committee may choose not to hear a case if the grieving party has not submitted a justification in writing with appropriate and necessary supportive documentation.

  (4) Appellate Committee Hearing Procedures

  (a) Attorneys, court advocates, or any type of legal representation are not allowed in the Appellate Committee Hearing. Family members or other persons are not allowed in the Committee Hearing. The attendees of the hearing will consist of the Appellate Committee members, the UNTF Education Specialist, and the Applicant (Grievant).

  (b) A letter will be sent to the UNTF Education Specialist and the Student/Grievant of the Appellate Committee's decision on the matter. This will be the final decision and final step of the UNTF Appeal and Grievance process.