Athletics Grievance Policy

This procedure is intended to aid student-athletes in the proper method of voicing concerns about a member of the McDaniel College athletic community. Maryland state law requires institutions of higher education to implement a policy for receiving and addressing student concerns about the institution's athletic programs and activities. [Md. Code Ann., Education, § 11-1601 (2019).]

Direct Resolution & Head Coach Engagement (informal resolution)

1. A student-athlete should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the other person(s) involved.

a. Complaints regarding sexual or intimate partner violence should be reported directly to the Title IX Office.

b. Complaints regarding hazing activities should be reported directly to the office of the Associate Director of Athletics.

2. If the student-athlete cannot reach a satisfactory resolution of the issue through direct interaction, or if the student-athlete feels unsafe making direct contact with the other person(s) for any reason, the student-athlete should report the grievance to the head coach.

a. If, at any time, a student-athlete feels unsafe in their environment or with a member of the McDaniel College athletic community, their concern should be reported directly to Campus Safety.

Director of Athletics' Office and Other Resources (formal resolution)

3. If a satisfactory outcome is not identified through dialogue with the head coach, or if the grievance involves the head coach and a resolution cannot be reached through direct dialogue, the student-athlete should report the grievance to the Director of Athletics' office.

a. Reports to the Associate Director of Athletics' office should be made by appointment.

b. Prior to, or at the time of appointment, the student-athlete should submit a brief written statement concerning the grievance. The Director of Athletics and/or designee may ask for additional information from all parties involved in order to initiate a formal review.

4. The Associate Director of Athletics and/or designee and student-athlete will meet to discuss the grievance. If appropriate, other community members may be invited into the meeting upon the agreement of the Director of Athletics and/or designee and the student-athlete initiating the grievance.

5. If a resolution to this grievance is not resolved by the Director of Athletics' office, student-athletes are asked to make an appointment and seek support from an intermediary party. These parties include the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), team faculty liaison, the Dean of Students, the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, among others. These resources will work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Athletics' office to settle the grievance.

If a student-athlete wishes to alert college administration directly to egregious acts, treatment, or other issues of concern, they can report these issues anonymously or in person via the following methods:

1. Online form: https://mcdaniel.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d0GpRAWGIHHo1WR

2. Associate Director of Athletics, Sandy Lagana-Bly (Gill Center)

Availability
a. By appointment: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
b. By Phone: 410-386-4630
c. By E-mail: slaganably @mcdaniel.edu

3. Title IX Coordinator, Liz Towle (Decker Center)

Availability
a. By appointment: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
b. By Phone: 410-857-2205
c. By E-mail: etowle@mcdaniel.edu

* Anonymous reports may impact the College's ability to investigate and respond fully to the concern.

Concerns that may be reported under this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

Unsafe coaching or playing environment in the athletics department and/or in athletic activities, including team practices, competitions, travel or events;
Negligent treatment of injuries;
Bullying and/or hazing activity by coaching staff and/or students;
Discrimination and/or harassment;
Violations of other college policies during the course of athletic activities, including, but not limited to the College's Alcohol Policy or Zero-Tolerance Drug Policy;
Inadequate or improperly maintained equipment;
Unsafe transportation.

Reported concerns will be treated confidentially to the greatest extent possible, and will be investigated promptly pursuant to the College's policies. All parties are expected to abide by the process set forth by the investigative team.

PROTECTION AGAINST RETALIATION: A reporting person who acts in good faith will be protected from retaliation under this policy. Good faith means that the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the reported concerns are substantially true. Threats, intimidation, and retaliation against individual for submitting a concern pursuant to this policy may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Complaints of retaliation may be submitted in the same manner as outlined above.

STUDENT-ATHLETE NOTIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF POLICY: This policy will be posted on the college's athletics website. The college will inform all students who participate in the athletic program or activities of the college about this policy and will provide student athletes with the policy in writing via the annual student athlete planner provided by the athletic department and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. A copy of the policy will be posted in the Athletics Department office and be available from the department program assistant in the main office.

REPORT TO THE MARYLAND COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION: As required by the Maryland State Code, beginning on or before August 1, 2020, and every year thereafter, the college will report to the Maryland Commission on Higher Education the number of students who shared concerns under the college's policy during the immediately preceding fiscal year.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POLICY: Questions about the policy can be addressed to Associate Director of Athletics Sandy Lagana Bly.