The Academic Staff Hearing and Appeals Committee (ASHAC) will serve as the investigating and hearing body for complaints against Academic Staff. If a complaint is filed with ASHAC against an academic staff member, ASHAC will first review the complaint to determine whether the alleged conduct is a violation of university rules and policies or adversely affects the staff member’s performance and obligations to the university. If the review does not find the conduct violates university rules and policies or adversely affects the staff member’s performance and obligations to the university, the complaint will be rejected.
ASHAC will then determine whether all or part of the complaint would be handled more appropriately by another department or individual at UWM and, if so, refer the complaint. For example:
- UWM’s Code of Conduct (SAAP 7-3) provides that violations of the Code of Conduct should first be reported to the employee’s direct supervisor, department chair, or department head as appropriate.
- Complaints involving allegations of discrimination, consensual relationships, sexual violence, and/or sexual assault should be referred consistent with UWM’s Discriminatory Conduct and Consensual Relationships Policy (SAAP-5-1) and Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy (SAAP 5-2).
ASHAC will inform the complainant of the date of the initial review within 10 working days of receipt. ASHAC will also inform the complainant of the results within 10 working days of the initial review.